Biology Lab Techniques

noun a spot or stain, especially of ink on paper

verb to make a spot or stain on something

• The ink blot on the document made it difficult to read.
• She accidentally spilled coffee on her shirt, leaving a blot.
• I can't believe you made such a blot on your test paper.
• The scandal was a blot on the politician's reputation.

noun a sample or representative part of a larger group or population

• The scientist analyzed the cross section of the rock sample under a microscope.
• I saw a cool cross section of a tree trunk in science class today.
• Check out the cross section of that new building - it looks awesome!
• The novel provides a cross section of society in the 1920s.

verb to form into crystals or take on a crystalline form

• The process of cooling the solution allowed the minerals to crystallize and form beautiful gemstones.
• I left my drink out too long and now the ice has started to crystallize.
• The plan finally crystallized after weeks of brainstorming.
• The idea began to crystallize in her mind as she thought more about it.

noun the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation

• The scientist used a fluorescence microscope to observe the cells.
• The glowy thingy helped the scientist see the cells better.
• The flashy gadget made it easier for the scientist to look at the cells.
• The fluorescence of the cells illuminated the path to new discoveries.

noun the process of making something weaker or less effective

• The dilution of the chemical solution was necessary to reach the desired concentration.
• We had to water down the juice to make it less strong.
• They had to thin out the sauce to make it taste better.
• The dilution of her power made her leadership less effective.