A microplate, also known as a microtiter plate, is a flat plate with multiple wells used for various laboratory applications, including biochemical assays and cell culture. Typically made of plastic, microplates come in different formats, such as 96-well, 384-well, or 1536-well configurations, allowing researchers to conduct multiple experiments simultaneously in a compact space. Microplates are commonly used in fields like molecular biology, pharmaceutical research, and clinical diagnostics. They facilitate high-throughput screening, enabling scientists to test numerous samples quickly and efficiently. The design of microplates allows for easy handling and automation, making them essential tools in modern laboratories.