BACE: Biotechnology Skills

6 How do you identify and properly handle reagents?

• Read labels carefully, store them correctly, and use protective equipment if needed.

• Only read labels and ignore storage instructions.

• Use any equipment available without checking for protection.

• Store reagents in any container without labeling.

12 How do you properly use and maintain a biosafety cabinet (BSC)?

• Keep the airflow running, use gloves, clean the surfaces, and avoid blocking vents.

• Only use gloves when handling hazardous materials.

• Clean the surfaces once a week regardless of usage.

• Block the vents to maintain a stable airflow.

4 How do you measure and adjust the pH of a solution with a pH meter?

• Use a pH meter to check how acidic or basic a solution is, then add acid or base to adjust it.

• Measure the temperature of the solution and add water to adjust the pH.

• Use litmus paper to determine the pH and then add salt to adjust it.

• Boil the solution and measure the steam to determine the pH.

7 What is aseptic or sterile technique?

• Aseptic technique means working in a way that prevents contamination by bacteria or other germs.

• Aseptic technique involves using high temperatures to sterilize equipment.

• Aseptic technique is a method of cleaning surfaces with disinfectants.

• Aseptic technique refers to the process of washing hands before surgery.

1 How do you accurately measure liquids using micropipettes and serological pipets?

• Use a micropipette for very small liquid volumes and a serological pipet for larger amounts. Always set the correct volume, hold the pipette at the right angle, and release liquid smoothly.

• Use a serological pipet for all liquid volumes regardless of size.

• Always use a micropipette for all measurements to ensure accuracy.

• Measure liquids by eye without any tools for quick results.

10 How do you properly use a spectrophotometer?

• Place a sample in the machine, select the right settings, and measure how much light passes through the liquid.

• Add the sample to a beaker and stir it before measuring.

• Calibrate the machine with a blank sample and then measure the absorbance directly.

• Use the spectrophotometer only for solid samples, not liquids.

14 How does automation impact the biotechnology industry?

• Automation makes experiments faster, more accurate, and safer by using machines instead of people for repetitive tasks.

• Automation reduces the need for skilled labor in biotechnology.

• Automation eliminates the need for any human oversight in experiments.

• Automation increases the cost of experiments due to machinery maintenance.

2 How do you accurately measure mass using an electronic balance?

• Turn on the balance, make sure it reads zero, place the object or container on the scale, and record the weight.

• Place the object on the balance without turning it on, then record the weight.

• Add a known weight to the balance and adjust until it reads zero before measuring the object.

• Use a ruler to measure the dimensions of the object and calculate the mass based on volume.

8 How do you properly culture microorganisms?

• Provide them with food, warmth, and the right environment to grow in a lab.

• Only provide them with food and water.

• Keep them in a cold environment to slow down growth.

• Isolate them from all other organisms.

11 Why are calibration and validation important in experiments?

• Calibration ensures instruments give correct measurements, and validation makes sure results are reliable.

• Calibration is only necessary for electronic instruments, while validation is optional.

• Calibration and validation are only important in theoretical experiments, not practical ones.

• Calibration is about adjusting instruments, while validation is about increasing experiment duration.