Molecular Microbiology Lab

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

last updated: July 20, 2023

About the Laboratory

Molecular Microbiology Lab

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

@ Section 3.7 Geomicrobiology

This Laboratory is part of:

GeoBioLab – Helmholtz Laboratory for Integrated Geological and Biological Research laboratory complex
Networks: Geo.X

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Description

The Molecular Microbiology Lab focuses on
I) DNA and RNA extraction, quantification and integrity applying protocols on commercial kits (physical and chemical cell lysis, silica column), phenol/chloroform extractions and extra- and intracellular separation (e/I DNA), and
II) microbiome diversity and abundance applying protocols on amplification and quantification of target genes via PCR and quantitative PCR, NGS library preparation as well as NGS sequencing.
Various sample types such as soil, sediment, water, plants and rocks are analyzed.

Instruments

DNA/RNA Extraction Kit
Homogenizer
PCR Cycler
Thermal Cycler, Thermal PCR Cycler
qPCR Cycler
PCR Workstation
UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Gel Documentation System
Gel Doc Systems, Gel Image System, Gel Imager
Electrophoresis Device
Bioanalyzer
Gel Electrophoresis Device

Analytical Methods

Next generation sequencing methods require a DNA library preparation prior to processing. (Own definition)
DNA Library Preparation
DNA Isolation
DNA/RNA Isolation, Homogenization
DNA Extraction
Determination of nucleotide sequence (the DNA primary structure). (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
DNA Sequencing
Cytogenetic technique used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. It uses fluorescent probes that only bind to those parts of the chromosome with which they show a high degree of sequence complementarity. Note: FISH is often used for finding specific features in DNA for use in genetic counselling, medicine, and species identification. FISH can also be used to detect and localize specific RNA targets (mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA) in cells, circulating tumor cells, and tissue samples. In this context, it can help define the spatial-temporal patterns of gene expression within cells and tissues. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
FISH - Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
CARD-FISH, Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization
Determination of nucleotide sequence (the DNA primary structure). Note: Next-generation sequencing refers to non-Sanger-based high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies where millions of DNA strands can be sequenced in parallel. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
NGS - Next Generation Sequencing
Massive Parallel Sequencing, Second Generation Sequencing
Laboratory technique for rapid amplification and pre-determination of regions of double-stranded DNA using DNA polymerase. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA Amplification, DNA Enrichment
Polymerase chain reaction to quantify target nucleotide sequences of interest. (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
qPCR - Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
DNA Amplification, DNA Enrichment, Quantitative PCR
UV-VIS Spectrophotometry
UV-VIS Spectroscopy
Gel Documentation
Gel Imaging
Electrophoresis
Automated Electrophoresis
Separation technique used to separate or fractionate proteins and larger peptides according to their relative molecular mass using an electric field in polyacrylamide gel (PAGE). (Source: IUPAC; https://doi.org/10.1515/iupac.90.0262)
Gel Electrophoresis

Laboratory Keywords

In addition to the instruments and analytical methods listed above, these keywords help to describe the work done in the laboratory. This may include the type of samples, standard materials, specific preparative or analytical methods and specific instrument characteristics.

Disciplines

Interdisciplinary > Biology/Ecosystems Science > Geomicrobiology
Geomicrobiology
Interdisciplinary > Biology/Ecosystems Science > Microbial Studies
Microbial Studies

The Research Network for Geosciences in Berlin and Potsdam

Molecular Microbiology Lab

GFZ - German Research Centre for Geosciences

About the Laboratory

Molecular Microbiology Lab

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Description

Instruments

Analytical Methods

Laboratory Keywords

Disciplines

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