Molecular Biology Laboratories
The laboratories of Molecular Biology Block are dedicated to perform biochemical and molecular biology research in order to investigate the network of chemical reactions taking place in the cells and living organisms. The mission is to identify and understand the structure, function, interactions and metabolism of nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids as well as understand how the interactions between cellular molecules are regulated. The knowledge about the biological processes at the molecular level in physiological and pathological conditions, is expected to contribute to the development of novel molecular therapeutics and new therapies.
The Molecular Biology Laboratory provides access to specialized equipments used in molecular biology and biological chemistry to fulfill its mission. It maintains a large array of instrumentation for cloning, gene expression, purification and characterization of biomacromolecules. It includes research-quality, general-use laboratory equipment like homogenizers, shakers, mixers, thermomixers, ovens, water baths, centrifuges, pH meters, balances, micropipets, agarose gel electrophoresis systems, MilliQ water-purification system and ice flaker. The nucleic acids can be amplified and analyzed by using standard and 96 – well real – time thermocycler (QuantStudio 6K Flex, Applied Biosystems). Digital imaging system (G BOX Chemi XR 5, Syngene) is available for visualization and data processing. Bacteria and different kinds of cells can be modified using electroporators (Gene Pulser XcellTM Total System, Bio-R ad) and gene guns (Helios Gene Gun Systems, Bio-R ad; PDS – 1000/HeTM and HEPTATM System, Bio-R ad). The Laboratory possess the incubators and shakers for growing bacteria and cells. The biomacromolecules and biochemical reactions can be analyzed using visible and UV spectrophotometer and microplate reader (Infinite M200 Pro, Tecan) for detection of absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence. The separate autoclave systems allow sterilization of buffers, media, glass, plasticware and wastes. Sources of vacuum, nitrogen, air, O2 and CO2 are accessible. Corrosive and flammable liquid storage cabinets as well as fume hoods are available for working with hazardous substances. Moreover, a separate part of the laboratory is dedicated for material storage and banking. In addition to the cold room, the storage rooms possess refrigerators, freezers, deep freezer, and the automatic system for a storage of biological samples in the vapors of liquid nitrogen.
