What is a common use for a gas lighter in a laboratory?

A gas lighter is commonly used in a laboratory to ignite substances, which is fundamental for various experiments and procedures. When working with chemicals, especially in organic chemistry or biochemistry, it is often necessary to heat substances, initiate reactions, or burn certain materials. The use of a flame from a gas lighter enables researchers to safely control the ignition of these substances, whether for heating solutions in a beaker, igniting gas during combustion experiments, or producing a flame for conducting specific reactions.

In contrast, sterilizing equipment typically involves methods such as autoclaving or using disinfectants, and measuring liquid volumes is achieved with various graduated equipment like pipettes or burettes. Supporting lab equipment generally refers to stands or bases that keep apparatus stable, which does not relate to the function of a gas lighter. Hence, igniting substances stands out as the primary and most relevant application of a gas lighter in the laboratory setting.