What is a Buchner funnel primarily used for?

A Buchner funnel is primarily utilized for filtration purposes. It is designed to facilitate the separation of solids from liquids through the use of a vacuum system, which increases the efficiency of the filtration process. The funnel has a flat bottom and is typically made of porcelain or glass, featuring a perforated plate that holds a filter paper. When a vacuum is applied, it draws the liquid through the filter paper, allowing solid particles to remain behind in the funnel. This method is especially effective for filtering out precipitates from solutions in laboratory settings, making it a fundamental tool in various biological and chemical analyses.

The other choices do not accurately define the primary function of a Buchner funnel. Heating solutions typically requires different types of glassware such as flasks or beakers. Culturing bacteria is done using specific media and dishes designed to provide the necessary nutrients for growth, not a Buchner funnel. Storage of samples usually involves containers designed to preserve the integrity of the sample, which the Buchner funnel does not provide. Therefore, the identification of filtration as the primary use of a Buchner funnel is well-founded.