Coordinator: Gabriele Procaccini
Scientific activities
Strumentazione di base per la biologia molecolare (PCR, centrifughe, apparati elettroforetici, transilluminatore, bagni termostatici, spettrofotometro, fluorimetro, pH-metro, bilancia di precisione)
Gene gun (apparecchio per la trasformazione biolistica)
In the laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Functional Genomics we carry out studies addressing ecological questions, using molecular approaches. The laboratory covers research activities ranging from molecular phylogeny and taxonomy to phylogeography and population genetics, using sequence analysis and analysis of polymorphic markers, such as microsatellites and SNPs. It also deals with the study of gene function through functional genomics approaches and reverse genetics (mainly production of transgenic lines of diatoms). We also makes use of analysis of environmental genomics and comparative transcriptomics, and we carry out gene expression studies in natural and controlled conditions (RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR).
Experimental systems
- Mesocosms for maintaining benthic organisms under controlled conditions.
- Walk-in chamber for microalgal cultures.
Analysis
- DNA extraction, purification and quantification.
- RNA extraction, purification, quantification and reverse transcription.
- Protein extraction and quantification.
- Sample preparation for RT-qPCR in plates.
- Samples preparation for massive sequencing.
- Samples preparation for sequence analysis.
- Samples preparation for fragments analysis.
- single and multiplex PCR.
- Electrophoresis on agarose and acrylamide gel.
- Statistical analysis of population genetics and molecular phylogeny.
- Primers design, analysis of electropherograms.
- Cloning and bacterial transformation.
- Preparation of plasmid DNA (mini and maxi prep).
- Biolistic transformation and cultivation of GM crops.
- Algal cultures.
- Colorimetric assays with fluorescent vital dyes and microscopic analysis.
- Southern blot, Northern blot.
- Western blot and enzyme assays (colorimetric, ELISA).
- Use of specialized software for the analysis of protein and nucleotide databases and for the exploration of genomes.
Equipments
- Basic equipment for molecular biology (PCR, centrifuges, electrophoresis apparatus, transilluminator, thermostatic baths, spectrophotometer, fluorometer, pH meter, balance).
- Gene gun (apparatus for biolistic transformation).
- Hoods for algal cultures.
- Microscopes.
- Mixer Mill (Tissue Lyser).
- PC and software for molecular analysis.
- Fume hood.
- TurboGen (equipment for generating marine turbulence).
