Molecular Microbiology Laboratories

Molecular microbial ecology is crucial for understanding the role of microorganisms in ecosystems, as it provides insights into microbial diversity, interactions, and functions at the molecular level. Our labs utilize advanced techniques for environmental DNA and RNA isolation but also DNA sequencing, metagenomics, and enumeration of microbial cells to uncover the genetic and metabolic capabilities of microbes in all kinds of natural environments. This knowledge is vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, soil health and development, the sustainable utilization of the underground and the exploration of the limits of life.

The Molecular Microbiology Laboratories focus on the following topics:

  • Environmental DNA and RNA Isolation and Purification

  • Environmental Genomics and Transcriptomics

  • Enumeration of Microbial Cell and Gene Copy Numbers

  • Stable Isotope Probing

  • S1 Facility for Genetically Modified Organisms

  • Separation of eDNA (external DNA) and iDNA (internal DNA).

Categories

Disciplinary Keywords

Instrumentation

Laboratory instrumentation

Instruments

  • DNA/RNA Extraction Kit
  • Electrophoresis Device
  • Fluorescence Microscope

    Fluorescence illumination and observation is the most rapidly expanding microscopy technique employed today, both in the medical and biological sciences, a fact which has spurred the development of more sophisticated microscopes and numerous fluorescence accessories. Epi-fluorescence, or incident light fluorescence, has now become the method of choice in many applications and comprises a large part of this tutorial. We have divided the fluorescence section of the primer into several categories to make it easier to organize and download. Please follow the links below to navigate to points of interest. Introductory Concepts - Fluorescence is a member of the ubiquitous luminescence family of processes in which susceptible molecules emit light from electronically excited states created by either a physical (for example, absorption of light), mechanical (friction), or chemical mechanism. Generation of luminescence through excitation of a molecule by ultraviolet or visible light photons is a phenomenon termed photoluminescence, which is formally divided into two categories, fluorescence and phosphorescence, depending upon the electronic configuration of the excited state and the emission pathway. Fluorescence is the property of some atoms and molecules to absorb light at a particular wavelength and to subsequently emit light of longer wavelength after a brief interval, termed the fluorescence lifetime. The process of phosphorescence occurs in a manner similar to fluorescence, but with a much longer excited state lifetime. Anatomy of the Fluorescence Microscope - In contrast to other modes of optical microscopy that are based on macroscopic specimen features, such as phase gradients, light absorption, and birefringence, fluorescence microscopy is capable of imaging the distribution of a single molecular species based solely on the properties of fluorescence emission. Thus, using fluorescence microscopy, the precise location of intracellular components labeled with specific fluorophores can be monitored, as well as their associated diffusion coefficients, transport characteristics, and interactions with other biomolecules. In addition, the dramatic response in fluorescence to localized environmental variables enables the investigation of pH, viscosity, refractive index, ionic concentrations, membrane potential, and solvent polarity in living cells and tissues. Additional information available at: "http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/techniques/fluorescence/ fluorhome.htm (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects pision, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords)

  • Fluorometer

    A fluorometer is an instrument that measures the amount of fluorescent radiation produced by a sample exposed to monochromatic radiation. Additional information available at "http://gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/createsensorsupweb" [Summary provided by NOAA] (Source: Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2023. GCMD Keywords, Version 16.3. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects pision, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords)

  • Gel Documentation System
  • Gel Electrophoresis Device
  • Homogenizer
  • PCR Cycler
  • PCR Workstation
  • UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
  • qPCR Cycler

Link

Data Publication

Relationships