Molecular Ecology and Systematics Laboratory - MES

Facilities

The MES Laboratory is equipped with facilities for DNA extractions, PCR work, bacterial cultivation and cloning, agarose gel and stach gel electrophoresis, and automated sequencing and genotyping (microsatellite and SNP). In addition, a large cold room and two deep freezers allow the research groups to store their biological and/or DNA samples effectively.

Bench places in the laboratory

The 'pre-PCR' section of the laboratory is partitioned into 28 bench places. The places are allocated to different research groups based on their space requirements and numbers of researchers. The laboratory offers most of the facilities required for everyday working such as pipettes, centrifuges, freezers etc. However, many groups have also purchased their own equipment. This part of the laboratory is given over to molecular biology procedures prior to PCR amplification such as DNA extraction and preparation of samples for PCR.

PCR capacity

The 'post-PCR' site of the laboratory contains 13 PCR machines (Eppendorf, MJ Research, Thermo Hybaid) with a convenient booking system to ensure efficient use of the capacity. Furthermore, the lab provides facilities for agarose gel working, PCR product purification, cloning etc. Generally all steps involving work with PCR products are performed in this area.

Sequencing and genotyping

The MES laboratory is equipped with three sequencing machines and this high capacity enables the researchers to obtain sequencing and genotyping data quickly. Two of the machines are MegaBACE 1000 96-capillary systems and these are used efficiently for both sequencing and genotyping (microsatellites, SNPs and SSCP) analyses. The third system is an ABI377, although this 'good old' machine will be retired soon. All machines are run and maintained by the technician to ensure a high quality of data from the analyses.

DNA laboratory at the Finnish Museum of Natural History

The FMNH has a basic DNA laboratory facility situated in connection with the Zoological Museum premises (P. Rautatiekatu 13), and equipped for standard work for producing molecular character data for systematic and phylogeographic studies of various organisms. This laboratory functions as a branch of the larger Viikki campus MES laboratory (a joint facility of the museum and the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences of the University of Helsinki). The museum laboratory has some 10 bench spaces allocated to FMNH-related research groups, according to their needs. The lab is equipped e.g. with three 96-well and two 48-well PCR machines (including gradient blocks), and deep-freezers for longtime storage of tissue or DNA samples. The final sequencing or genotyping steps on a MegaBACE 1000 96-capillary system take place in the Viikki campus MES laboratory. For more information contact Dr. Gunilla Ståhls. Read more: http://www.fmnh.helsinki.fi/english/dna/