micromanipulation
Microscopic precision handling
Micromanipulation is the handling of extremely small objects—cells, embryos, chromosomes—using precision instruments under a microscope.
The technique is central to procedures like in vitro fertilization and genetic research: The embryologist performed micromanipulation to inject sperm directly into the egg.
More broadly, micromanipulation can describe subtle, precise control of any delicate situation or system.
Graduated liquid transfer tube
- micropipettePrecision microliter dispenser
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
- microinjectionPrecise cellular substance delivery
- cellBasic unit of life
oocyte · embryo · sperm · fertilization · enucleation · transplantation · engraftment · cytoplasm
State of being constant
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
- nanoscaleBillionth-meter dimension
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
exactness · finesse · calibration · fine-tuning · joystick · hydraulic · piezoelectric · micrometers
Device for microscopic positioning
- tweezersPincerlike gripping instrument
- microneedleSubmillimeter puncturing device
- microelectrodeMinuscule electrical probe
- microtoolsMiniature implements for precision
stage · stereomicroscope · actuator · controller · workstation · motorized · manual
Laboratory-aided conception method
- fertilityCapacity for reproduction
- infertilityInability to reproduce
- clinicOutpatient treatment facility
- embryologistSpecialist in prenatal development
cryopreservation · vitrification · surrogacy · donor · conception · implantation
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- transfectionNon-viral gene introduction
- transformationThorough change in form
- cloningMaking identical copies
- DollyNickname for Dorothy
transgenic · knock-out · DNA · chromosome · genome · reprogramming
Intentionally concealed
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- influencePower to affect others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
- controllingExerting authority over others
coercive · calculated · deceptive · scheming · insidious · undermining · exploitation · emotional
pipette
Graduated liquid transfer tube
- micropipettePrecision microliter dispenser
- injectionSyringe-delivered dose
- microinjectionPrecise cellular substance delivery
cell · oocyte · embryo · sperm · fertilization · enucleation · transplantation · engraftment · cytoplasm · blastocyst
steadiness
State of being constant
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
- micrometerMillionth of a meter
- nanoscaleBillionth-meter dimension
delicate · exactness · finesse · calibration · fine-tuning · joystick · hydraulic · piezoelectric · micrometers · positioning
micromanipulator
Device for microscopic positioning
- tweezersPincerlike gripping instrument
- microneedleSubmillimeter puncturing device
- microelectrodeMinuscule electrical probe
microtools · stage · stereomicroscope · actuator · controller · workstation · motorized · manual
IVF
Laboratory-aided conception method
- fertilityCapacity for reproduction
- infertilityInability to reproduce
- clinicOutpatient treatment facility
embryologist · cryopreservation · vitrification · surrogacy · donor · conception · implantation
CRISPR
Gene-editing molecular machinery
- transfectionNon-viral gene introduction
- transformationThorough change in form
- cloningMaking identical copies
Dolly · transgenic · knock-out · DNA · chromosome · genome · reprogramming
covert
Intentionally concealed
- subtleNot immediately obvious
- influencePower to affect others
- gaslightingManipulation causing self-doubt
controlling · coercive · calculated · deceptive · scheming · insidious · undermining · exploitation · emotional · relational
manipulate, microscope, manipulation, micro, microscopic, microbe, manipulative, microorganism, microcosm