Centrifuge, micropipette and pH meter

Centrifuge

A mechanical device that uses centrifugal force to separate materials of different densities.

pH meter

An instrument used to measure the pH of liquids using special probes.

Micropipettes

An automatic pipette used to accurately transfer small liquid volumes.

Supernatant

The remaining solution after a precipitate has gathered at the bottom of a tube.

Pellet

A solid mass resulting from sedimentation in a centrifuge.

Differential Centrifugation

A technique that separates materials based on their densities using varying speeds in a centrifuge.

Fixed-Angle Rotor

A rotor where the tubes are held at a fixed angle during centrifugation.

Swing-out Rotor

A rotor that allows tubes to move to a horizontal position during centrifugation.

Microcentrifuge

A centrifuge designed for small volumes, typically up to 2 mL.

Ultracentrifuge

A high-speed centrifuge that can reach speeds up to 65,000 RPM for research applications.

Centrifuge tubes

Specialized tubes used in centrifugation, available in various sizes, typically made of glass or plastic.

Balancing the centrifuge

The act of placing containers diametrically opposite each other to ensure stable operation.

Calibration of pH meter

The process of adjusting the meter to known pH values to ensure accurate measurements.

Micropipette

An automatic pipette used to accurately transfer small liquid volumes.

Precision

The ability of a measuring instrument to yield similar responses upon repeated measurements.

Accuracy

The ability of an instrument to provide responses close to the true value.

Disposable tips

Single-use plastic tips for micropipettes that prevent cross-contamination.

Forward pipetting

A common method of pipetting where an exact volume is aspirated and dispensed.

Reverse pipetting

A technique whereby a larger volume is aspirated, and a precise set volume is dispensed.

Volume adjustment knob

A component of the micropipette used to set the desired volume to be pipetted.

Tip ejector button

A button that allows the user to easily eject the used tip from the micropipette.

Air bubbles in pipetting

Air trapped in the pipette shaft that can disrupt accurate measurements.

Visual inspection

The process of checking for visible contamination on pipette tips or samples.

Operating instructions for pH meter

Steps to properly set up and use a pH meter for accurate measurements.

Regeneration of dried electrodes

Soaking electrodes that have dried out in a suitable solution for recovery.

Long term storage of pH electrodes

Keeping electrodes wet in a specific solution for extended periods.

Microcentrifuge tubes

Small centrifuge tubes designed specifically for microcentrifuges.

Safety precautions for centrifugation

Guidelines to prevent accidents during centrifuge operation, including proper loading and balancing.

Chemical hazard

Potential risks associated with chemicals being used in conjunction with laboratory equipment.

Balancing load

Ensuring the load in the centrifuge is symmetrically positioned for safe operation.

Hydrogen ion sensitive glass bulb

Part of the pH electrode that measures hydrogen ion activity.

Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)

A feature in pH meters that adjusts readings according to temperature fluctuations.

Manual endpoint reading

Using the READ button to note the pH measurement in a manual calibration process.

Rinse electrode

The procedure of cleaning the pH electrode with water between measurements.

Avoiding contamination in pipetting

Using sterilized tips and proper techniques to prevent cross-sample contamination.

Repetitive technique

A pipetting method for delivering the same volume repeatedly in a fast manner.

Calibration buffer standards

Solutions with known pH values used for calibrating pH meters.

Volume range of micropipettes

The spectrum of volumes that a micropipette can accurately measure and dispense.

Operating procedures for the micropipette

Steps to ensure accurate and precise usage of a micropipette, including technique tips and maintenance.

Disposal of micropipette tips

The proper method of discarding used micropipette tips to maintain laboratory safety.

Centrifuge maintenance

Regular care practices to ensure optimal functionality and safety of centrifuges.

Viscosity considerations in pipetting

Factors to consider when aspirating thicker or more viscous liquids.

Influence of sample temperature on pipetting

How temperature affects the behavior and handling of samples during pipetting.

Environmental factors in pH measurement

Elements like temperature and chemical concentration that can affect pH readings.

Automatic imbalance detection

A safety feature in centrifuges that stops operation if the load is unbalanced.

Glass bulb of pH probe

The component of the pH probe that interacts with the solution being measured.

What is differential centrifugation?

A technique that separates materials based on their densities using varying speeds in a centrifuge.

What is a microcentrifuge?

A centrifuge designed for small volumes, typically up to 2 mL.

What does the volume adjustment knob do?

A component of the micropipette used to set the desired volume to be pipetted.

What are disposable micropipette tips?

Single-use plastic tips for micropipettes that prevent cross-contamination.

What is the purpose of calibrating a pH meter?

To ensure accurate measurements by adjusting the meter to known pH values.

What are hydrogen ions (H⁺)?

Positively charged ions that determine the acidity of a solution.

Centrifugation

The process of using a centrifuge to separate substances by density through rapid rotation.

Centrifuge speed

The rate at which a centrifuge spins, usually measured in RPM (revolutions per minute).

Micropipette calibration

The process of adjusting a micropipette to ensure it delivers precise volumes.

Micropipette types

Different styles of micropipettes, including single-channel and multi-channel pipettes.

Centrifuge rotor speed setting

The adjustment mechanism that determines the speed at which the rotor spins during centrifugation.

pH electrode maintenance

The regular cleaning and calibration of pH electrodes to ensure accurate measurements.

Micropipette size range

The spectrum of volume capacities that a micropipette can accurately measure, such as 1 µL to 10 mL.

Centrifuge temperature control

Features that regulate the temperature during centrifugation to protect sensitive samples.

What is a centrifugal force?

The force that acts outward on a body moving around a center, caused by the body's inertia.

What is the purpose of a pH meter calibration buffer?

A buffer solution with a known pH used to calibrate the pH meter for accurate readings.

What is the significance of using a swing-out rotor?

A rotor that allows tubes to move to a horizontal position during centrifugation for better separation.

What can cause inaccurate micropipetting?

Inadequate calibration, air bubbles in the tip, or using tips not suited for the micropipette.

What is a centrifuge's 'g-force'?

A measure of acceleration that indicates the force experienced by samples during centrifugation.