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Micropipettes
Why they are usefulHow they work
How to care for them
Micropipettes are essential equipment in a modern biology lab
• For moving liquids from container to container
• Can measure tiny volumes, very precisely
• Come in a variety of sizes
• All require special disposable tips
• They are fragile and expensive
Micropipettes have different volumes
• P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol.• P200: 200 uL max.• P1000: ____uL max vol = ______
Volumes adjustable with dial
Micropipettes have different volumes
• P20: 20 microliters (=20 uL) max vol.• P200: 200 uL max.• P1000: __20uL max vol = _1mL__
Volumes adjustable with dial
Parts of a mircopipette
1. Volume adjustment2. Tip ejector button3. Plunger4. Adjustment threads5. Volume indicator
window6. Tip ejector bracket7. Shaft8. Disposable tip
Pipette tips
• Different tips for different kinds of pipettes
• Micropipettes are never used without an appropriate tip
How micropipettors workPipettes have
two springs“First stop”:
calibrated volume
“Second stop”: maximum volume of pipette
What is the volume indicated?
What is the volume indicated?
6.84 uL 132.5 uL 264 uL=____mL
How to use the pipette
A: Press plunger down to FIRST STOP BEFORE putting in liquid (make sure you adjusted to the right volume!)
B: Release plunger slowly, taking up correct volumeC: Put tip into new tube and press plunger to SECOND
STOP, expelling liquidD: Remove tip from liquid BEFORE releasing plungerE: Release plunger and eject tip
How to take care of the pipettes
• Never use a pipette without a tip• Never adjust a pipettor beyond its maximum (or
minimum) volume range• Never place a pipet on its side with liquid in the tip
What is wrong with this picture?
Pressing the tip ejector button
• Note: tip ejector doesn’t always work with certain tips