Pipette

Definition

A pipette is a laboratory instrument used to transport a measured volume of liquid. It is essential for accurately measuring and transferring small amounts of liquid in experiments, making it a crucial tool in the scientific method and experimental design where precision is paramount.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pipettes come in various types including manual pipettes, electronic pipettes, and micropipettes, each designed for specific volume ranges and precision requirements.
2. Using a pipette requires proper technique to avoid contamination and ensure accurate measurements; this includes pre-wetting the tip and holding the pipette vertically.
3. Most pipettes are calibrated to deliver or aspirate specific volumes accurately, allowing researchers to replicate experiments with consistent results.
4. In experimental design, the choice of pipette can affect the outcome of experiments; selecting the right type based on the volume and viscosity of the liquid is important.
5. Proper maintenance and calibration of pipettes are necessary to ensure reliability and accuracy over time, as inaccuracies can lead to significant errors in experimental data.

Review Questions

• How does the use of a pipette influence the accuracy and reliability of experimental results?
  • The use of a pipette greatly influences the accuracy and reliability of experimental results by providing precise measurement of liquids. Accurate dosing is essential to ensure that experiments can be replicated and results validated. A pipette's calibration and proper usage techniques directly impact the consistency of liquid volumes transferred, thereby affecting the overall quality of scientific data.
• What are the implications of using different types of pipettes in experimental design, particularly in relation to liquid properties?
  • Different types of pipettes serve specific functions based on liquid properties such as viscosity and volume. For example, micropipettes are essential for handling small volumes typical in molecular biology, while standard pipettes may be more suitable for larger volumes. The choice impacts not only accuracy but also how effectively a researcher can manipulate solutions during an experiment. Understanding these implications ensures that researchers select appropriate tools to achieve reliable outcomes.
• Evaluate how improper use or maintenance of a pipette can affect experimental outcomes and lead to broader implications in scientific research.
  • Improper use or maintenance of a pipette can lead to significant inaccuracies in liquid measurement, which can skew experimental results and conclusions. For instance, if a pipette is not calibrated correctly or if technique issues like air bubbles are present, this may result in erroneous data that could misguide further research or applications. In broader terms, such errors can undermine the credibility of scientific studies, affecting reproducibility and trust in findings within the scientific community.

Related terms

Volumetric Flask: A glass vessel used to prepare precise dilutions and standard solutions; it has a specific volume marked on its neck.

Micropipette: A specialized type of pipette that can measure and transfer very small volumes of liquid, often in the microliter range, which is critical for molecular biology applications.

Burette: A long, graduated glass tube with a tap at the bottom, used for delivering measured volumes of liquid, commonly used in titrations.