Welcome and Essential Preparation

Abstract

This guide is the first chapter in the Biotechnology 101 kit. Start here for all the essential information about how to get started with using this kit, and important safety advice.

Guide

  1. Unboxing the Biotechnology 101 Kit

    The Biotechnology 101 Kit includes 4 tutorial kits, and 6 experimental projects. The contents provide reagents, plastic consumables, and a few essential pieces of equipment.

    The Refrigeration Bag (1) contains all the reagents that should be stored in the fridge. The refrigeration bag is clearly marked with a green label. Everything inside the bag is safe to store inside a fridge.

    Go ahead and put the bag in the fridge now.

    Introduction chapter bags (2)

    These bags, marked with the rocket launch symbol contain the materials for the first four introductory chapter that teach you pipetting, and using each element of Bento Lab.

    Equipment
    • A beaker, which you will need to reuse in lots of the tutorials (3)
    • A micropipette (4)

    There are also a number of reagents and consumables, grouped by their role in different experiments. You will find a detailed list of the contents at the bottom of this page.

    Storage advice

    Keep reagents in a dry, cool, dark place and keep them away from children.

  2. Tips and Warnings

    Bento Lab is not a toy, and neither is the Biotechnology 101 Kit. What you will be learning throughout these chapters is real, hands-on science.

    Throughout the text you will find different boxes:

    Warning: These are important warnings that highlight pitfalls and safety advice. Read these carefully and follow them.

    Tip: These are helpful tips and suggestions that will help you reduce errors and increase the quality of your experiment.

    Reading Material: The Biotechnology 101 Kit is focussed on practical lab skills, with a basic theoretical grounding. These boxes will contain optional reading material that goes into more scientific detail.

    Before using Bento Lab, also read the Bento Lab manual carefully, especially the chapter on essential safety advice.

    If you are unsure how to proceed get in touch with us. We are here to help you learn, and your feedback will be invaluable in making genetics more accessible for all.

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