Answer :
Final answer:
Wear gloves when staining gels, handling cultures, and prepping workspaces to prevent contamination. Discard gloves appropriately and practice handwashing after glove removal, especially in healthcare settings to prevent infection spread.
Explanation:
It is essential to wear disposable gloves during certain activities in the lab to maintain personal and environmental safety. For instance, wear gloves when staining gels due to the use of intercalating dyes, which can be potential mutagens, to prevent skin contact with hazardous substances. Similarly, gloves should be donned when working with cultures to avoid contamination. After working, these gloves must be discarded in the biohazard garbage.
Prepping the workspace for experiments is another scenario where glove usage is necessary. Don a lab coat and gloves, and disinfect all surfaces to create a sterile environment and avoid contaminating media and plates. Even seemingly minor actions, such as touching face or non-sanitized surfaces, require the cleaning of gloves to maintain a sterile environment.
