7 - Gas exchange system (locust)

What equipment is required for this practical?

• Locust

• Forceps & scissors

• Cork board & dissecting pins

• Microscope slides & coverslips

• Methylene blue stain

• Dissecting microscope

• Hand lens

• Pipette & watch glass

What is the risk, safety precaution & in emergency for the hazard: biohazard

Risk:

• contamination

Safety precaution:

• use disinfectant

• keep sample on dissection board

• wash hands with soap after

In emergency:

• seek assistance

What is the risk, safety precaution & in emergency for the hazard: disinfectant

Risk:

• flammable

Safety precaution:

• keep away from naked flame

In emergency:

• put out fire

• seek assistance

What is the risk, safety precaution & in emergency for the hazard: sharp tools

Risk:

• cuts from sharp object

Safety precaution:

• cut away from fingers & use forceps to hold tissue whilst cutting

• keep away from edge of desk

In emergency:

• elevate cuts & apply pressure

• seek medical assistance

What steps should be undertaken before viewing the locus under a microscope?

• Pin the locust to the dissecting board & remove the exoskeleton so the internal gas exchange system can be observed

• Flood the specimen with water so the tracheae appear silvery-grey