Equipment in the Lab
Beckman Coulter CEQ 8000
Beckman Coulter CEQ 8000- This sequencer uses a beam of light to read fluorescent labels attached to a strand of DNA. Each of these labels corresponds to one of the four bases of DNA: Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine, and Adenine. Using this technology, the CEQ 8000 is able to sequence the mitochondrial DNA of mussels.
This centrifuge is capable of spinning up to speeds of 13,200 RPM. It is used in conjunction with Quiagen quickspin columns and wash buffers to filter the DNA
Eppendorf 5415D Centrifuge
Nanodrop
This machine is able to replace older spectrophotometers by quickly and more efficiently measuring the purity of and amount of DNA we have obtained. The nanodrop shoots a beam of intense light through a 2μm drop of sample, allowing us to work in smaller amounts.
Used to dry samples and help digest heavy tissue in conjunction with enzymes.
Thelco oven
Pipettes
Elderkin lab has 2 sets of pipettes from Thermo and Rainer, ranging from less than 1μL to 1000μL.
Used at multiple times throughout the procedure, PCR is conducted using a thermocycler. The thermocycler can rapidly change temperatures. This allows for DNA to be copied at a very high rate by and enzyme called TAQ. DNA is put into the thermocycler in tubes containing a master mix of template, TAQ, MgSO4, and dH20.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) -
Gel Electrophoresis-
Using 1-2% agarose gels and an adjustable power supply, DNA is separated by strand length. Ethidium Bromide is added to the gel, which attaches to DNA. This causes the DNA to fluoresce under UV light.