What is the function of a cork borer in a laboratory setting?

A cork borer is a specialized tool designed specifically for drilling holes in materials, such as rubber stoppers, cork, or soft wood. In a laboratory setting, it is particularly useful for creating clean, uniform holes to accommodate glassware or other apparatus needed in experiments. This precision is important for ensuring experimental integrity and assembly of setups without causing damage to the materials being used. The ability to create consistent hole sizes allows for better fitting and sealing of equipment, which contributes to the overall reliability of experimental results.

The other functions listed do not align with what a cork borer is intended for. For example, measuring liquids typically involves graduated cylinders or pipettes, while transferring small volumes of solutions is more suited to micropipettes or dropper bottles. Containing samples securely is a role fulfilled by containers like petri dishes, test tubes, or flasks, rather than a cork borer.