PBS Lab Practical Study Guide
Activity 1.1.1 A Sketchy Scene- Crime Scene Search Methods.
Activity 1.1.2 Reliable Witnesses- Polygraph analysis
Activity 1.1.3 Traces We Leave Behind- Fingerprint patterns &
Minutiae, Microscope parts and use
Activity 1.1.4 Blood Evidence- Blood Spatter Analysis, Blood type
AB,A,B,O
Activity 1.1.5 DNA Evidence- Micropipetting, PCR & Restriction
Enzymes
Activity 1.1.6 DNA Analysis- Label parts of DNA, Reading
Electrophoresis Gels
Activity 1.2.4 Histology- Tissue examples, Total magnification
Microscope
Activity 1.2.5 Gross Heart Anatomy- Anatomy of the heart
CRIME SCENE SEARCH METHODS
Control
Question
2
Parts of a Micropipette
Micropipettes are extremely helpful laboratory tools that are easy and fun to use with a little bit of instruction and practice.
Setting the Volume and Measuring Liquids
1. Choose the correct micropipette for the volume you are
measuring. Make sure that the volume to be measured does not
exceed the upper or lower volume setting of the micropipette.
2. To determine the units measured by the micropipette, look at the
volume setting. The setting shows in the window on the side of
the micropipette.
3. To set the volume, twist the top of the pipetting button, or
plunger. Note: In general, twisting the plunger clockwise reduces
the volume, and twisting the plunger counterclockwise increases
the volume.
4. Place a clean tip on the micropipette.
5. Press the plunger down to the first stop. Hold the plunger down
while placing the tip beneath the surface of the liquid.
6. Slowly release the plunger to draw the sample into the pipette tip.
7. Deliver the sample by slowly pressing the plunger to the first
stop. Depress the plunger to the second stop to expel any
remaining sample. Do not release the plunger until the tip is out
of the sample container.
8. To discard the tip, press the eject button. Use a new tip for the
next sample.
How to use a Microscope
Step 1: Connect the light microscope to a power source. If your microscope uses a mirror instead of an illuminator, you can skip
this step. Instead, find a place where natural light is easily accessible
Step 2: Turn the revolving nosepiece so the lowest objective lens is in position.
Step 3: Mount your specimen onto the stage. But before doing so, see to it that your specimen is adequately protected by placing
a coverslip on top of it (if needed).
Step 4: Use the metal clips to keep your slide in place. Make sure the specimen is positioned in the center, right under the lowest
objective lens.
Step 5: Look into the eyepiece and slowly rotate the coarse adjustment knob to bring your specimen to focus. See to it that the
slide does not touch the lens.
Step 6: Adjust the condenser for the maximum amount of light. Since you're on the low power objective, you may have to
decrease the illumination. Use the diaphragm under the stage to adjust.
Step 7: Now slowly rotate the fine adjustment knob until you obtain a clearer image of your specimen.
Step 8: Examine your specimen.
Step 9: After you're done viewing with the lowest power objective, switch to the medium power objective and re-adjust the focus
with the fine adjustment knob (if you need to use course knob return to low power objective lens).
Step 10: Proceed to the high power objective once you have it focused.