Molecular Biology – Work

The molecular biology laboratory is a laboratory facility where associated staff will help develop and guide the implementation of molecular-based projects at or in association with SAMS, such as PhD or grant-associated programmes. The laboratory is used as a teaching facility for small numbers of undergraduate students and 3rd and 4th year project students. Research in the laboratory focuses on the molecular biology and ecology of marine microbes, such as bacteria, microalgae and fungi. Techniques used include: microbial ecology, such as fluorescent in situ hybridisation, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and ribosomal RNA gene sequencing; gene cloning and gene expression studies; 1-D and 2-D protein electrophoresis; and bioinformatics of marine microbial genomes.


Molecular Biology – Equipment

The molecular biology suite is equipped with thermal cyclers for PCR and quantitative real-time PCR.  DNA and RNA can be quantified using the nanodrop spectrophometer. RNA, DNA and protein can be analyzed via conventional 1- and 2-D gel electrophoresis or using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The lab has a dedicated electrophoresis room and adjoining dark room equipped with a digital gel capture system or conventional photography (MP4 Landcamera). Microplate samples can be analysed using either fluorescent or colourmetric plate readers. The lab is also equipped with a number of microcentrifuges and refrigerated benchtop centrifuge that can process up to six 250 ml samples. It has a dedicated fume-cupboard and chemical storage areas.

For more information about the molecular biology laboratory, please contact Dr David Green.