What is the main advantage of using micropipettes over traditional pipettes?

The main advantage of using micropipettes over traditional pipettes lies in their ability to measure very small volumes accurately. Micropipettes are designed to handle minute quantities of liquids, often ranging from 0.1 microliters to 1,000 microliters (1 milliliter). This precision is crucial in many biotechnology applications, where the accuracy of liquid handling can significantly impact experimental outcomes.

Micropipettes utilize a piston-driven mechanism, allowing for precise volume selection and consistent delivery of liquids. This level of accuracy is generally unattainable with traditional pipettes, which are typically used for larger volumes and may not provide the necessary precision for micro-scale tasks. The ability to accurately dispense small volumes is essential in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry, where precise measurements play a critical role in experimental success and reproducibility.

While factors such as cost, versatility, and ease of cleaning might also be relevant when choosing between pipettes, they do not capture the primary technical advantage that makes micropipettes indispensable in modern laboratory settings.