MK Media Pembelajaran - Awetan Basah

Summary

This video provides an in-depth guide to the process of wet preservation, a technique used to preserve biological specimens like animals and plants for educational purposes. The script outlines the importance of this method, especially when fresh specimens are hard to find, and details the tools, materials, and step-by-step procedure, including the use of preservatives such as formalin and alcohol. The process ensures specimens maintain their natural appearance and are available for repeated study, while safety measures for handling chemicals are emphasized. This demonstration aims to educate viewers on the principles of wet preservation in a virtual setting.

Takeaways

• 😀 The practical session on wet preservation (awetan basah) was initially meant for the lab but is being conducted virtually due to current circumstances.
• 😀 Wet preservation is essential for specimens that are hard to obtain fresh or in sufficient quantities for regular practice.
• 😀 The key principle behind wet preservation is to maintain specimens in a preserved state without damaging them, especially for rare or hard-to-find species.
• 😀 Common animals used for wet preservation include bats, frogs, snakes, and toads, which can be preserved in jars of different sizes based on their size.
• 😀 Essential tools for wet preservation include glass jars, tweezers, scalpels, thread, and materials like formalin and alcohol for the preservation solution.
• 😀 Wet preservation requires an effective preservation solution, often a mixture of formalin, acetic acid, and alcohol, with specific ratios for each component.
• 😀 Formalin is critical for preserving animals, while for plants, a mixture of alcohol (70%) and aquades (water) is usually sufficient.
• 😀 The process includes several steps: specimen collection, anesthesia (using chloroform), injection of preservation solution into the specimen's body, and correct positioning of the specimen.
• 😀 After preservation, specimens are stored in labeled jars that include essential details like species name, collector, collection location, and preservation date.
• 😀 The preservation solution must be replenished periodically, usually once a year, to maintain the specimen's condition and prevent the solution from evaporating.

Q & A

What is the purpose of wet preservation (awetan basah)?

Wet preservation is used to preserve biological specimens, such as animals and plants, in a way that allows them to be studied over time without deterioration. It ensures specimens remain intact for educational and research purposes.

What are the primary materials needed for wet preservation?

The primary materials include glass jars for storage, preservatives like formalin and alcohol, and other tools such as syringes, scissors, and tweezers. Glycerin is used for plant specimens, while aquades are used as a solvent.

How does the preservation process differ between animal and plant specimens?

For animal specimens, formalin is injected to preserve internal organs, while plant specimens are often treated with glycerin to prevent shrinkage and maintain color. The process also involves submerging the specimens in a preservative solution.

Why is formalin used in the preservation of animal specimens?

Formalin is a powerful preservative that prevents decomposition by cross-linking proteins and killing bacteria. It is injected into animal specimens to ensure that both internal and external tissues are preserved.

What is the role of alcohol in the preservation process?

Alcohol, usually 70% or 96%, is used to initially preserve specimens before they are treated with formalin. It helps prevent decomposition and dehydration, providing initial preservation of the specimen.

What safety precautions should be taken when handling chemicals like formalin and chloroform?

When handling chemicals such as formalin and chloroform, it is important to wear gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to protect against exposure. Additionally, work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhaling fumes.

What is the importance of labeling preserved specimens?

Labeling preserved specimens with relevant information, such as species name, location, and date of collection, is crucial for scientific records and future reference. It helps identify specimens and track their history.

Why is glycerin used for plant specimens in wet preservation?

Glycerin is used for plant specimens because it helps maintain their structure, prevents them from drying out, and preserves their color. It is particularly useful for keeping plant specimens looking fresh over time.

What are the potential risks of incorrect preservation procedures?

Incorrect preservation procedures, such as using improper chemicals or failing to ensure complete submersion, can lead to degradation or contamination of specimens. This may affect their integrity, making them unsuitable for study.

What is the importance of maintaining the temperature and conditions during specimen storage?

Specimens should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation from heat or light. Regularly checking the preservatives and ensuring that the jars are sealed properly helps maintain the specimens' condition for long-term use.