Dry ice

Definition

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), commonly used as a cooling agent. It sublimates at -78.5°C (-109.3°F) and is useful in various industrial and scientific applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dry ice is effective for flash-freezing microbial samples due to its extremely low temperature.
2. It sublimates directly from solid to gas, leaving no liquid residue.
3. Handling dry ice requires proper safety precautions like gloves because it can cause severe frostbite.
4. In microbiology labs, dry ice is often used to create controlled low-temperature environments for preserving biological samples.
5. Its sublimation property makes it useful for controlling and reducing the growth of microorganisms in certain settings.

Review Questions

Related terms

Autoclave:

A machine that uses steam under pressure to sterilize equipment and other objects.

Cryopreservation:

The process of preserving cells, tissues, or organs by cooling them to very low temperatures.

Lyophilization:

Also known as freeze-drying, it is a dehydration process typically used to preserve perishable material or make the material more convenient for transport.