Loops are essential laboratory tools used in microbiology and molecular biology for transferring and inoculating microorganisms. Typically made from materials such as stainless steel or disposable plastic, loops come in various sizes and designs to suit different applications. In microbiological work, they are primarily used to streak plates for isolation of colonies or to transfer bacterial cultures between media. The design of loops allows for precise control over the amount of sample transferred, facilitating accurate inoculation. Additionally, loops can be sterilised through methods like flaming or autoclaving, ensuring that cross-contamination is minimised. In molecular biology, specialised loops may be used in techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to handle DNA samples. Their versatility and ease of use make loops fundamental tools in various laboratory settings.