Question

what is the purpose of the plunger in pipette

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The plunger in a pipette serves a crucial function in the operation of the device. Specifically, it is used to control the movement of liquid within the pipette. Here are the primary purposes of the plunger:

1. **Aspiration of Liquid**: When the plunger is pulled up, it creates a vacuum that draws liquid into the pipette tip. This allows for accurate measurement and transfer of liquids.

2. **Dispensing Liquid**: When the plunger is pressed down, it expels the liquid from the pipette tip. This allows the user to dispense a precise volume of liquid.

3. **Volume Control**: In adjustable pipettes (like micropipettes), the plunger allows the user to set the desired volume by turning a dial or adjusting a mechanism that alters the amount of liquid that can be aspirated and dispensed.

4. **Reproducibility**: The mechanism of the plunger aids in providing consistent and reproducible results when measuring and transferring liquid.

In summary, the plunger is essential for the functioning of a pipette as it directly controls the intake and release of liquids, contributing to the accuracy and efficiency of liquid handling in laboratory settings.

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