Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Oxford Nanopore MinION M1kc 3rd Generation DNA and RNA Sequencer [TY 461]
DNA/RNA sequencing machine that is also portable. Can perform long DNA read (>4mB) that reduces the amount of DNA library preparation required. Able to do Whole genome sequencing, metagenomics, and targeted sequencing. 3rd generation DNA sequencing technology allows DNA sequencing to be done at much lower cost than in the past. Software includes data analysis that can show how sequenced DNA compares to consensus sequences or show the lineage of mixed samples.
Example Use Cases:
- 16S Ribosome sequence to look for species diversity and phylogenetics in an environmental sample
- Transcriptome sequencing of RNA that has been reverse transcribed into cDNA
Applied Biosystems QuantStudio 3 Real-time Quantitative PCR (QPCR) [TY 435]
The QPCR machine allows for easily quantitating genes of interest in a wide variety of environmental and lab samples. By combining primers that are designed to amplify the region of interest in DNA, the real time concentration of that region can be accurately determined. Also works to start with mRNA that is then reverse transcribed to then quantitate the resulting DNA. Useful as a quality control step before full DNA sequencing to ensure a high quality DNA library.
Example Use Cases:
- Quantitate mRNA levels in samples with different experimental conditions to gauge how treatments effect gene expression and protein production
- Looking for genes of interest in environmental samples
- Perform quality control on DNA libraries
TECAN Spark MultiMode Microplate Reader [TY242]
The TECAN Spark is an automated plate reader that allows for the monitoring of live cell cultures for a variety of detectors.
Able to analyze cell cultures with UV/Vis, Fluorescence, or Luminescence spectra. Designed for advanced research and drug discovery for cell-based assays. Cooling and heating allows for precise control of temperature during growth curves or other experiments.
Example Use Cases:
- Cell counting and viability analysis
- DNA quantification
- Growth curves
- Drug treatment effects assessment
Agilent Cary 60 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer [TY 241]
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The Agilent Cary 60 UV/Vis system is a flexible and sensitive cuvette based spectrophotometer that can analyze wavelengths from 190-1100 nm. These wavelengths can be scanned in under 3 seconds giving allowing for a in depth look at sample spectrum.
Also has a fiber optic probe attachment so that samples can be read in situ or in the field.
Example Use Cases:
- Nitrate analysis of water using fiber optic probe
- Measure drug tablet concentration
- Nucleic acid purity with 260/280 nm ratio
Thermo Nanodrop Lite Spectrophotometer [TY 440]
The Thermo Nanodrop Lite is an easy to use UV-Vis spectrophotometer that only requires 1 microliter of sample to get a concentration measurement. Can measure DNA/RNA and protein concentrations at 260 and 280 nm wavelengths.
Example Use Cases:
- Find concentration of DNA extracted during a miniprep
- Get concentration of a protein purification sample