Title: Learn: Micropipettes
Course: BTEC-1000-301-302-303-F21 > Section: Genetic Engineering

Module 2 Micropipettes

One drop of water, like the one on this flower petal, is typically about 50 microliters.

Lab

Before you can do your first genetic engineering experiment, you’ll need to learn a crucial skill: how to use micropipettes. Micropipettes are devices that measure and deliver small very small volumes.

Micropipette volumes are generally measured in microliters. One microliter is one millionth of a liter. One drop of water, like the one clinging to the petal in the photo below, is typically about 50 microliters - so one microliter is a very small volume indeed. Nevertheless, one microliter can be measured accurately in the lab, and many reactions carried out by biotechnologists occur in volumes of about one drop (50 microliters) or less. The abbreviation for microliter is μL, where the greek letter mu (μ) means micro (one millionth), and L stands for liter.

Micropipettes are used in nearly all the experiments you will do in biotechnology, so it’s important that you use them correctly for success of your experiments. Watch the video below to learn the basics of their use, and then schedule a two hour long appointment to get hands-on practice in the lab. biotech.youcanbook.me