Abstract: An end effector for an endoscopic surgical instrument having a longitudinal body with proximal and distal ends and an actuator at the proximal end of the body includes a clevis to be connected to the distal end of the body and two jaws. Each of the jaws has a tang portion pivotally connected to the clevis and to be connected to the actuator for pivoting the jaw. The jaw has body portion with a lateral side having substantially straight opposing edges and a proximal portion connecting the lateral side to the tang portion and a nose portion connected to the lateral side and having substantially linear edges at an angle to the edges of the lateral side. The hollow body and nose portions define a biopsy cup for receiving a tissue sample therein and the opposing and linear edges form a pinching surface for contacting extremities of the tissue sample.