Common Biology laboratory apparatus and equipment

A wide variety of tools and equipment are needed in order to conduct Biology practicals. The following are some common apparatus and their uses.

A hand lens

This is mainly used to magnify specimens that are under observation. A hand lens enables a scientist to magnify small organisms or their parts in order to observe them clearly. An example of a hand lens is shown in Figure 2.9.

Figure 2.9: Hand lens

Magnification is calculated as follows:

For example, if the length of the drawing is 8cm and the actual length of the object is 2 cm. then:

Sweep nets

A sweep net is used for catching small flying organisms such as butterflies and grasshoppers. An example of a sweep net is shown in Figure 2.10.

Figure 2.10: Sweep net

Scoop nets

These are used for catching fish and other aquatic animals. An example of a scoop is shown in Figure 2.11.

Figure 2.11: Scoop net

Pooter

This is the device that scientists use to pick up small organisms such as insects, without hurting them. The pooter has two tubes. The scientist sucks through one tube and the organism is drawn into the pooter through the other tube. An example of a pooter is shown in Figure 2.12.

Figure 2.12: Pooter

Quadrat

A quadrat is a square wooden or metallic grid which is used to estimate the number of organisms in an area. An example of a quadrant is shown in Figure 2.13.

Figure 2.13: Quadrant

Specimen bottle

This is a glass or plastic container where the specimens are kept for storage. An example of a specimen bottle is shown in Figure 2.14.

Figure 2.14: Specimen bottle

Petri dish

This is a shallow glass or plastic container used during close observation of specimens. It may also be used for growing microorganisms. An example of a petri dish is shown in Figure 2.15.

Figure 2.15: Petri dish

Mortar and pestle

A mortar is a small hard bowl made of clay materials. A pestle is a tool used to crush specimens or samples. A mortar and pestle arc usually used for crushing or grinding solid substances.

An example of mortar and pestle is shown in Figure 2.16.

Figure 2.16: Mortar and pestle

Crucible and lid

This is the container that is used for heating substances at very high temperatures. Figure 2.17 shows a crucible and lid.

Figure 2.17: Crucible and lid

A dissecting kit

The dissecting kit contains tools for dissection of specimens. An example of a dissecting kit is shown in Figure 2.18. Some of the items included in the dissecting kit are as follows: (a) Forceps for holding specimens or objects. (b) A pair of scissors for cutting specimens or objects. (c) Scalpels for cutting. (d) A needle for loosening internal parts. (e) Pins for holding specimens in place. (f) Hands lens magnifying small specimens or their parts.

dissecting kit are as follows:

(a) Forceps for holding specimens.
(b) A pair of scissors for cutting specimens or objects.
(c) Scalpels for cutting.
(d) A needle for loosening internal parts.
(e) Pins for holding specimens in place.
(f) Hand lens for magnifying small specimens or their parts.

Figure 2.18: Dissecting kit

Thermometer

This is a tool used to measure temperature. An example of a thermometer is shown in Figure 2.19.

Figure 2.19: Thermometer

Heat sources

These are used for heating various things in the laboratory. Examples of heat sources in the laboratory are the Bunsen burner, spirit burner, and kerosene stove as shown in Figure 2.20.

Figure 2.20: Heating sources (a) Busen burner (b) kerosene stove (c) Spirit burner

Dropper

This is used to add liquids into experimental containers drop by drop. An example of a dropper is shown in Figure 2.21.

Figure 2.21: Dropper

Test tube

This is a clearly cylindrical glass container that is open at the top and rounded at the bottom. The top has a flared lip to enable easy pouring of liquids. Test tubes are used to hold chemicals and sometimes to heat substances over a short period of time. An example of a test tube is shown in Figure 2.22.

Figure 2.22: Test tube

Test tube rack

This is the device designed for storing test tunes so that they may not roll or break. An example of a test tube rack is shown in Figure 2.23.

Figure 2.23: Test tube rack

Test tube holder

This is an instrument used to hold a test tube during heating. Examples of test tube holders are shown in Figure 2.24.

Figure 2.24: Test tube holder (a) metallic with wooden handle (b) wooden

Beaker

A beaker is a wide cylindrical glass or plastic container. It is used for mixing substances, measuring, or heating liquids.

The top has a flared lip to enable easy pouring of substances. An example of a beaker is shown in Figure 2.25.

Figure 2.25: Beaker

Measuring cylinder

This is a glass or plastic container that is marked to measure the volume of liquids. It has a small curled lip for easy pouring of liquids and a wide base so that it does not tip over easily. An example of a measuring cylinder is shown in Figure 2.26.

Figure 2.26: Measuring cylinder

Filter  funnel

This is a laboratory device that is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom. A filter paper is usually folded into a cone shape and placed in the filter funnel to separate solids from liquids during filtration. An example of filter funnel is shown in Figure 2.27.

Figure 2.27: Filter funnel

Stoppers

These are used to seal test tubes and other glass containers. They can be made of cork, glass, or plastic. Examples of stoppers are shown in Figure 2.28.

Figure 2.28: stoppers

Syringes

These are used for transferring small quantities of liquids. An example of a syringe is shown in Figure 2.29.

Figure 2.29: Syringe

Spatula

This is used for scooping powder or crystalline substances from containers. An example of a spatula is shown in Figure 2.30.

Figure 2.30: Spatula

White tiles

White tiles are used during experiments that involve colour changes. The container with the reacting substances is held over the white tile. The plain white colour changes. An example of a white tile is shown in Figure 2.31.

Figure 2.31: White tile

Watch glass

A watch glass is a shallow dish that is used as an evaporating surface or cover for beakers. An example of a watch glass is shown in Figure 2.32.

Figure 2.32: Watch glass

Mounting needle

A mounting needle is used to lift small delicate specimens. An example of a mounting needle is shown in Figure 2.33.

Figure 2.33: Mounting needle

Microscope slide and cover slip

A specimen to be observed on a microscope is placed on a slide with a drop of a liquid and covered with a cover slip. The microscope slide is a small flat piece of glass that is used to hold specimens under observation. An example of a microscope slide and cover slip is shown in Figure 2.34.

Figure 2.34: Microscope slide and cover slip