E211 SESSION 2022/2023

SBL1023 - TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY

LABORATORY

LAB REPORT

LAB 2 - INSTRUMENTATION

PREPARED BY:

NAME TIFEENLY PAYA JOHNNY

MATRIC NO E20211027481

LECTURER : DR. REMMY KEONG BUN POH

DATE OF SUBMISSION : 17 FEBRUARY 2023
INTRODUCTION:
Intrumentation is the development or application of measuring instruments for
observation, monitoring, or control. Laboratory instruments are designed to provide
analytical results with high reliability. Therefore, we should learn to handle and use them
properly to avoid erroneous results.
The pH meter was invented by Arnold O. Beckman in 1934. The pH meter is an
electrical instrument used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The electrode of
the pH meter must be calibrated before use so that it can convert voltage readings into pH
values.
The micropipette was invented in 1957 by Heinrich Schnitger at the College of
Marbury, Germany. The micropipette is an instrument for the accurate and precise transfer of
liquid volumes in the microliter range. It is mainly used in pharmaceutical, molecular,
forensic and diagnostic laboratories.
The microscope was invented in the late 16th century by a Dutch father and son team
named Hans and Zacharias Janssen. It is an instrument used to magnify images of small
objects, giving the observer a close-up view of the object. Microscopes also allow scientists
to study cell structure and observe the minute details of plants, animals and fungi.
MATERIALS:
 pH meter
 Micropipette
 Microscope
 Distilled water
 Buffer
 Tissue
 Solution x, y and z
 Beaker
 Plastic tip
 Sample slide
 Immersion oil
METHODS:
1. Calibration of pH meter
a) The protective end cover was removed from the electrode.
b) The electrode was cleaned with distilled water and then the excess water was
wiped using tissue.
c) The setup button on the pH meter was press for a few times until the screen
display the set of pH buffer that need to be calibrated. (pH 4, 7, 10)
d) The standard button was pressed. A signal was waited on the screen to place
electrode into the first buffer (pH 4). Note: always start the calibration from
lower to higher pH buffer.
e) The meter was recognised the buffer and show the first value. Then, it show
the indicates either good electrode “OK” or electrode “ERROR”.
 f) After ‘OK’ is display, the electrode was take out and rinsed again with water,
and then using tissue to wipe the excess water. Make sure to always rinse the
electrode with distilled water between each measurement.
g) The standard button was pressed. A signal was waited on the screen to place
electrode into the second buffer (pH 7). The same procedure was repeated
until all the buffer have been standardize.
h) pH for solution with label x, y and z was measured after the calibration is
done.

2. Micropipette
a) The desire volume was set by turning the centrally located rings clockwise to
increase volume or counter clockwise to decrease volume.
b) A sterility tip was loaded. For each pipette, make sure to use the proper size
tip. Closed the tip box to maintain sterility. Do not allow the pipette tip to
touch other object.
c) Loaded the sample. The plunger will stopped at two different positions when it
depressed. Pushed the plunger down slowly to the point of first resistance: this
was the load volume.
d) While held the plunger at the load volume set point, put the tip into solution so
that it is immersed just enough to cover the end (3-4mm)
e) The plunger was released slowly to draw up the liquid making sure to keep the
tip immersed.
f) The sample was deliver. The second stopping point can be found when the
plunger is depressed beyond the initial resistance until it is in contact with the
body of the pipette. The second stopping is used for the complete discharging
the solutions from the plastic tip. When drawing liquid into the pipette, the
second stop should not be reached and only when expelling the last drop.
g) The tip was placed into the receiving vessel. The plunger was depressed all the
way to the bottom to expel all the liquid.
h) The discharge slider on the back of the grip was pressed to discharge the tip.

3. Microscope
a) A prepared slide was picked and observed under the microscope using
different magnification.
b) The low power (4x) was used on the microscope to locate the specimen on the
prepared slide. Drew what have been seen.
c) Switch to high power carefully after have the centered the specimen that were
viewing in the centre of the field of view. Drew what have been seen.
d) The procedure was repeated using higher magnifications up to 100x
magnification.
e) What have been observed under the microscope using 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x
magnification was drew.
RESULTS:
1. Calibration of pH meter

What have you learnt? What error (if any) during handling did
you observed?
1. We should be careful when clean 1. Using the electrode to stir.
the electrode with distilled water
because it is very sensitive.
2. Make sure to have enough buffer
to submerge the electrode fully
when take the sample.
3. Make sure to always clean it
before use to prevent
contamination.

Solution pH value
x 3.8
y 6.8
z 9.8

2. Micropipette
What have you learnt?
1. Choose a sterile tip that match to
the pipette. If we choose the
wrong tip, it will be too loose or
too tight.
2. The pipette tip should be
disposed right in the waste
container.
What error (if any) during handling did
you observed?
1. Forget to set it at the highest
volume before keep it.
2. Using the same tip for other
solution.

3. Microscope
What have you learnt? What error (if any) during handling did
you observed?
1. Carry the microscope with both 1. Clean the lens after use
hands. immersion oil for 100x
2. We should avoid the lens get too magnification.
close to slide or use immersion
oil when using 100x
magnification to prevent the
slide from broken.
3. When carrying the microscope,
grab the arm firmly with one
hand and use the under hand to
support the base.
4. Make sure the stage at the max
height.
 5. Use the lowest magnification
first.

DISCUSSION:
Questions:
1. In your opinion, why it is necessary for all the buffer solution to be at the same
temperature during calibration?

 In my opinion, it is necessary for all the buffer to have the same temperature during
calibration because different temperature can changes the results in pH.

2. Why it is encourage to always select the SMALLEST size pipette that will handle the
volume you wish to move?

 It is encourage to always use the smallest size pipette because smaller pipette have
smaller displacement piston, thus smaller absolute errors at the given volume.

3. Why the liquids from the pipette need to be release slowly, especially with large
volume pipettes?

 The liquid from the pipette need to be release slowly because to prevents the liquid
from rushing into the end of pipette and clogging it.

4. Why the pipette cannot be point up?

 The pipette cannot be point up because to prevent liquid from running into the pipette
body and clog it which can cause corrosion.

CONCLUSION:
The purpose of this experiment is to learn how to use 3 laboratory instruments,
namely the pH meter, the micropipette, and the microscope. For the pH meter, we need to
handle the electrode carefully so that it does not give false results. The micropipette should
only be used to take a small volume and should not be used for large volumes to prevent
fluids from entering the body. The microscope must be carried with both hands to prevent it
from falling and breaking.
REFERENCE:

P, D. S. (2022, December 5). How to calibrate a ph meter. News. Retrieved February 16,
2023, from https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/How-to-Calibrate-a-pH-
Meter.aspx

Quasar instruments. Best Laboratory Practices - Pipette | Quasar Instruments. (n.d.).

Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://www.quasarinstruments.com/p-19720-best-
laboratory-practices-pipette-1-selecting-the-best-pipette-for-desired-
 volume.aspx#:~:text=Larger%20pipettes%20have%20larger%20displacement,larger
%20the%20absolute%20volume%20error.

How to use a micropipettor-1 - University of California, Los Angeles. (n.d.). Retrieved

February 15, 2023, from
https://research.mcdb.ucla.edu/Goldberg/HC70AL_Su14/pdf/How%20to%20Use%20a
%20Micropipettor.pdf

Bryant, S. (2017, March 6). How should I store my micropipettes? The Laboratory People.
Retrieved February 16, 2023, from https://camblab.info/how-should-i-store-my-
micropipettes/#:~:text=Why%20store%20pipettes%20upright%2C%20at,accumulating
%20on%20one%20side%20only.