Run a plate意思
"Run a plate" is a term commonly used in scientific and laboratory settings, particularly in the context of analytical chemistry, molecular biology, or microbiology. It refers to the process of performing an experiment or analysis on a plate, which is a flat, usually circular or square, laboratory vessel with multiple wells or compartments.
In different contexts, "running a plate" can mean different things, but it generally involves one or more of the following steps:
- Sample Preparation: Preparing samples by adding them to the wells of the plate.
- Incubation: Allowing the samples to react with other substances or to grow under specific conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, or presence of nutrients).
- Analysis: Performing an analysis or test on the samples within the plate, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or bacterial culture.
- Reading: Using specialized equipment to read the results of the analysis, which might involve measuring the absorbance, fluorescence, or other properties of the contents of the wells.
Plates come in various formats and materials, depending on the application. For example:
- Microtiter plates: Used for ELISA, PCR, and other assays, often have 96, 384, or 1536 wells.
- Gel electrophoresis plates: Used for separating molecules based on size, typically have a flat, rectangular shape.
- Petri dishes: Used for bacterial or fungal cultures, are shallow and circular with a flat bottom and a loose-fitting lid.
The term "run" implies that the process is automated or follows a standardized protocol, and the plate is moved through the various steps of the experiment or analysis.