Molecular biology
Our molecular biologists provide fingerprinting analyses for
bacteria, achaeobacteria, microalgae and fish to determine species
or communities. And we isolate and cultivate microalgae to support
fingerprinting analyses.
They use molecular biology techniques such as:
-
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR
(7900HT ABI)
- electrophoresis and denaturing gel electrophoresis (DGGE),
- cloning
- sequencing analyses, in collaboration with the Genome Analysis
Centre
- ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (RISA and ARISA).
We also count and identify phytoplankton functional groups and
some characteristic species using high-speed analytical flow
cytometry. Most phytoplankton are invisible to the naked eye,
but they are very important in sustaining life in the oceans and
can influence climate at the global scale, due to their high rates
of biological activity.
Our internationally recognised team of molecular
diagnosticians and researchers also cover numerous aquatic animal
health topic areas, including the confirmation of a wide range of
fish, molluscs and crustacean pathogens. For more about our
molecular approaches to disagnosing animal diseases, contact david.stone@cefas.co.uk.
To find out more about our molecular biology techniques and
services, contact phytoplankton_ecology@cefas.co.uk.