Laboratory Equipment and Their Functions

A laboratory is a place where scientific experiments, observations, and measurements are conducted. To perform various tasks and procedures in a laboratory, different types of equipment, tools, and instruments are needed. These are called laboratory apparatus, and they have specific functions and purposes depending on the type of experiment or research being done. In this article, we will introduce some of the common laboratory apparatus and their functions.

Basic Apparatus

Basic apparatus are the equipment that are found in almost all laboratories, regardless of the field of study or the type of experiment. They are used for general purposes, such as heating, measuring, mixing, holding, or transferring substances. Some examples of basic apparatus are:

1. Beaker

A beaker is a cylindrical glass container with a spout that is used to hold, mix, or heat liquids or solids. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Beakers come in different sizes and shapes, and they are usually marked with graduations to indicate the volume of the contents. Beakers are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as bunsen burners, test tubes, pipettes, or burettes.

2. Bunsen burner

A bunsen burner is a metal device that produces a flame from a gas source that is used to heat substances or sterilize equipment. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. A Bunsen burner consists of a metal base, a gas valve, a metal tube, and an air hole. The gas valve controls the flow of gas from the source to the burner. The metal tube carries the gas to the top of the burner, where it is ignited by a spark or a match. The air hole allows air to enter the tube and mix with the gas, creating a hotter and more efficient flame. The flame can be adjusted by changing the amount of gas or air that enters the burner.

3. Test tube

A test tube is a thin glass tube that is used to hold, mix, or heat small amounts of liquids or solids. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Test tubes are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as bunsen burners, pipettes, or racks. Test tubes come in different sizes and shapes, and they may have a flat or round bottom. Test tubes are usually transparent or translucent, so that the contents can be observed.

4. Measuring cylinder

A measuring cylinder is a graduated glass cylinder that is used to measure the volume of liquids accurately. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Measuring cylinders have a narrow cylindrical shape with a flat or round base and a spout at the top. They are marked with horizontal lines and numbers that indicate the volume of the liquid in milliliters (mL) or liters (L). Measuring cylinders are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as pipettes, burettes, or balances.

5. Pipette

A pipette is a slender glass tube that is used to transfer precise amounts of liquids from one container to another. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Pipettes have a narrow cylindrical shape with a tapered tip and a bulb or plunger at the other end. They are marked with graduations to indicate the volume of the liquid in microliters (µL) or milliliters (mL). Pipettes are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as measuring cylinders, burettes, or balances.

6. Burette

A burette is a long glass tube with a tap at the bottom that is used to deliver known volumes of liquids during titrations or other analytical procedures. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Burettes have a cylindrical shape with a narrow opening and a stopcock at the lower end. They are marked with graduations to indicate the volume of the liquid in milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cm³). Burettes are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as pipettes, measuring cylinders, or balances.

7. Balance scale

A balance scale is a device that is used to measure the mass of objects by comparing them with known weights. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. A balance scale consists of a beam that is supported by a fulcrum, and two pans that are attached to the ends of the beam. The object to be weighed is placed on one pan, and the known weights are placed on the other pan until the beam is balanced. The mass of the object is equal to the sum of the weights on the opposite pan.

8. Thermometer

A thermometer is a device that is used to measure the temperature of substances or environments by using the expansion or contraction of a liquid or a metal. It is one of the basic apparatus that are found in almost all laboratories. Thermometers have different types and designs, depending on the principle and the scale that they use. Some common types of thermometers are:

Mercury thermometer

A glass tube that contains mercury, a liquid metal that expands or contracts with temperature changes. The mercury level rises or falls along a calibrated scale that shows the temperature in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Digital thermometer

An electronic device that uses a sensor to detect the temperature and displays it on a screen. Digital thermometers can measure the temperature of solids, liquids, or gases, and they can be programmed to show different units of measurement, such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin.

Infrared thermometer

A device that uses a laser to measure the temperature of an object by detecting the infrared radiation that it emits. Infrared thermometers can measure the temperature of objects that are too hot, too cold, or too far to touch, such as stars, volcanoes, or icebergs.

Safety Apparatus

Safety apparatus are the equipment that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. They are essential for ensuring the health and well-being of the people and the materials involved in the experiments. Some examples of safety apparatus are:

1. Gloves

Gloves are protective coverings for the hands that are made of rubber, latex, vinyl, or other materials that are used to prevent contact with harmful substances or infections. They are one of the safety apparatus that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. Gloves come in different sizes, colors, and types, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Gloves are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as goggles, lab coats, or fume hoods.

2. Goggles

Goggles are protective eyewear that are made of plastic or glass that are used to shield the eyes from splashes, sparks, or radiation. They are one of the safety apparatus that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. Goggles come in different sizes, shapes, and types, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Goggles are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as gloves, lab coats, or fume hoods.

3. Lab coat

A lab coat is a loose-fitting garment that is worn over the clothes that is used to protect the body from spills, stains, or burns. It is one of the safety apparatus that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. Lab coats come in different sizes, colors, and types, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Lab coats are often used in conjunction with other laboratory equipment, such as gloves, goggles, or fume hoods.

4. Fume hood

A fume hood is a ventilated enclosure that is used to contain or exhaust fumes, vapors, or gases that are generated during experiments. It is one of the safety apparatus that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. Fume hoods have different types and designs, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Some common types of fume hoods are:

• Ducted fume hood: A fume hood that is connected to a duct system that carries the contaminated air outside the building. Ducted fume hoods are effective in removing hazardous substances, but they require more energy and space.
• Ductless fume hood: A fume hood that is not connected to a duct system, but uses filters to capture and remove the contaminants from the air. Ductless fume hoods are more energy-efficient and flexible, but they require regular maintenance and replacement of filters.
• Biosafety cabinet: A fume hood that is designed to protect the user, the product, and the environment from biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or cells. Biosafety cabinets have different levels of protection, depending on the type and risk of the agents.

5. Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a device that is used to put out small fires by spraying water, foam, powder, or gas. It is one of the safety apparatus that are used to protect the users or the environment from potential hazards or accidents in the laboratory. Fire extinguishers have different types and colors, depending on the type of fire that they can extinguish. Some common types of fire extinguishers are:

• Water extinguisher: A red fire extinguisher that contains water and compressed air. It is used to extinguish fires involving ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, paper, or cloth. It is not effective on fires involving flammable liquids, gases, or metals.
• Foam extinguisher: A cream fire extinguisher that contains foam and compressed air. It is used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, or paint. It can also be used on fires involving ordinary combustible materials, but not on fires involving flammable gases or metals.
• Powder extinguisher: A blue fire extinguisher that contains dry chemical powder and compressed gas. It is used to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, gases, or metals. It can also be used on fires involving ordinary combustible materials or electrical equipment, but it may cause damage or corrosion.
• Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher: A black fire extinguisher that contains carbon dioxide gas. It is used to extinguish fires involving electrical equipment, such as computers, printers, or wires. It can also be used on fires involving flammable liquids, but not on fires involving ordinary combustible materials or metals.

Specialized Apparatus

Specialized apparatus are the equipment that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. They are often more complex and sophisticated than basic or safety apparatus, and they may require special training or skills to operate. Some examples of specialized apparatus are:

1. Microscope

A microscope is an optical instrument that is used to magnify small objects or structures by using lenses and light. It is one of the specialized apparatus that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. Microscopes have different types and designs, depending on the principle and the scale that they use. Some common types of microscopes are:

• Compound microscope: A microscope that uses two sets of lenses, the objective and the eyepiece, to produce a magnified image of a thin specimen that is mounted on a slide and illuminated by a light source from below.
• Stereomicroscope: A microscope that uses two separate optical paths, one for each eye, to produce a three-dimensional image of a thick specimen that is illuminated by a light source from above or below.
• Electron microscope: A microscope that uses a beam of electrons instead of light to produce a highly magnified image of a very thin specimen that is coated with a metal and placed in a vacuum chamber.
• Scanning probe microscope: A microscope that uses a sharp tip that scans the surface of a specimen and interacts with it through various forces, such as electrical, magnetic, or mechanical, to produce a detailed image of its topography or properties.

2. Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer is an instrument that is used to measure the amount of light that is absorbed or transmitted by a substance at different wavelengths. It is one of the specialized apparatus that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. Spectrophotometers have different types and designs, depending on the principle and the scale that they use. Some common types of spectrophotometers are:

• UV-Vis spectrophotometer: A spectrophotometer that uses ultraviolet and visible light to measure the absorption or transmission of a substance in a cuvette or a microplate. UV-Vis spectrophotometers are widely used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry.
• IR spectrophotometer: A spectrophotometer that uses infrared light to measure the vibration or rotation of a substance in a solid, liquid, or gas state. IR spectrophotometers are useful for identifying the functional groups or the structure of organic compounds.
• Fluorescence spectrophotometer: A spectrophotometer that uses a high-intensity light source to excite a substance and measure the emission of light at a different wavelength. Fluorescence spectrophotometers are sensitive and selective for detecting and quantifying fluorescent molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or drugs.

3. Centrifuge

A centrifuge is a machine that is used to separate substances with different densities by spinning them at high speeds. It is one of the specialized apparatus that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. Centrifuges have different types and designs, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Some common types of centrifuges are:

• Clinical centrifuge: A centrifuge that is used to separate blood components, such as plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Clinical centrifuges are widely used in medical laboratories, hospitals, and blood banks.
• Ultracentrifuge: A centrifuge that can reach very high speeds and generate very high forces. Ultracentrifuges are used to separate very small particles, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or viruses.
• Microcentrifuge: A centrifuge that is used to spin small volumes of liquids in microtubes or microplates. Microcentrifuges are useful for molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell culture applications.

4. Electrophoresis chamber

An electrophoresis chamber is a device that is used to separate molecules based on their size and charge by applying an electric field across a gel matrix. It is one of the specialized apparatus that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. Electrophoresis chambers have different types and designs, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Some common types of electrophoresis chambers are:

• Vertical electrophoresis chamber: A chamber that holds a gel in a vertical orientation and allows the molecules to migrate from top to bottom. Vertical electrophoresis chambers are often used for protein separation and blotting.
• Horizontal electrophoresis chamber: A chamber that holds a gel in a horizontal orientation and allows the molecules to migrate from left to right. Horizontal electrophoresis chambers are often used for DNA or RNA separation and analysis.
• 2-D electrophoresis chamber: A chamber that combines two different types of electrophoresis in one gel, allowing the molecules to separate in two dimensions. 2-D electrophoresis chambers are often used for proteomics and biomarker discovery.

5. PCR machine

A PCR machine is a device that is used to amplify DNA fragments by using repeated cycles of heating and cooling. It is one of the specialized apparatus that are designed for specific types of experiments or research in different fields of science. PCR machines have different types and designs, depending on the purpose and the preference of the user. Some common types of PCR machines are:

• Real-time PCR machine: A PCR machine that monitors the amplification of DNA in real time by using fluorescent probes or dyes that bind to the DNA and emit light. Real-time PCR machines can measure the quantity and quality of DNA in a sample, and they are often used for gene expression analysis, genotyping, or pathogen detection.
• Thermal cycler: A PCR machine that performs the basic steps of PCR, such as denaturation, annealing, and extension, by changing the temperature of the reaction chamber. Thermal cyclers can amplify DNA from various sources, such as blood, saliva, or tissue, and they are often used for cloning, sequencing, or forensic analysis.
• Digital PCR machine: A PCR machine that partitions the DNA sample into thousands of tiny droplets or wells and performs PCR on each individual unit. Digital PCR machines can detect rare or low-abundance DNA variants, such as mutations, deletions, or insertions, and they are often used for cancer diagnosis, prenatal testing, or viral load monitoring.

These are some of the common laboratory apparatus and their functions. There are many more types of equipment and tools that are used in different laboratories for different purposes. By knowing their names and functions, you can better understand how they work and how they can help you conduct your experiments.

References: yaletools.com, biocheminsider.com