A dissecting tray with wax (GI sheet) is a common type of tray used in dissections of biological specimens in laboratories and classrooms. Here’s a breakdown of its features, functionalities, and applications:

Material:

• GI Sheet: Made of galvanized iron sheet, offering a robust and corrosion-resistant base for the tray.
• Wax Base: A layer of wax covers the bottom of the tray. This wax helps to secure specimens during dissection procedures by providing a moldable surface to pin or embed tissues.

Size:

• 200mm x 250mm (approximately 8 inches x 10 inches). This is a common size for dissecting trays, suitable for a variety of plant and animal specimens.

Features:

• Rolled Edges: The edges of the tray are typically rolled to prevent cuts and provide a smooth working surface.
• Shallow Design: The tray has a shallow depth (around 2-3 cm) to keep specimens easily accessible during dissections.
• Color: The GI sheet is typically a light gray color, while the wax can come in various colors, with black or white being common options.

Functionalities:

• Holding Specimens: The tray provides a stable platform for holding specimens during dissection procedures.
• Securing Specimens with Wax: The wax base allows for pinning or embedding specimens using dissecting pins for better stability and manipulation during dissection.
• Containing Dissection Materials: It can hold dissection instruments, fluids, and other materials needed during dissection.
• Collecting Dissection Waste: The tray can be used to collect waste tissues or fluids generated during dissection.

Applications:

• Dissections in Biology Labs: A staple tool for dissections of plant and animal specimens in classrooms and laboratories.
• Zoology Dissections: Used for dissecting various invertebrate and vertebrate animals to study their anatomy. Dissection techniques often utilize the wax base for securing specimens.
• Botany Dissections: Essential for dissecting plant structures like flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves. The wax base can be helpful for holding plant materials in place.

Advantages of a Dissecting Tray with Wax:

• Securing Specimens: The wax base provides a valuable feature for pinning or embedding specimens, allowing for better control and stability during dissections.
• Versatility: Suitable for dissecting various types of specimens, from plants with softer tissues to animals requiring more secure positioning.
• Cost-Effective: GI sheet is a relatively affordable material for dissecting trays.

Considerations:

• Wax Residue: After use, the wax may need cleaning to remove any tissue residue or leftover pins.
• Replacing Wax: Over time, the wax base may need to be replaced as it loses its adhesiveness or becomes damaged.
• GI Sheet Durability: While robust, GI sheet can be less durable than stainless steel over extended use.

Overall:

A dissecting tray with wax (GI sheet) is a versatile and practical option for dissections in laboratories and classrooms. The wax base offers a valuable method for securing specimens, particularly for animal dissections. However, consider the potential need for wax cleaning and replacement when choosing this type of tray.