Molecular Laboratory

The Molecular Laboratory has become a major tool for the researchers of our Vertebrate, Invertebrate, Entomology and Freshwater Biology departments. This facility has generated new types of activities by allowing us to introduce molecular genetic markers in our studies on the various aspects of the natural history and evolution of invertebrates, vertebrates, and their natural populations.

Available laboratory methods include a variety of protein and DNA assays (including PCR and cloning techniques), with particular emphasis on sequence analyses of mitochondrial DNA, alone or in combined with enzyme electrophoresis, the study of microsatellites, and nuclear genome approaches such as AFLPs.

Current research topics include molecular phylogenetic studies, phylogeographies, analyses of geographic population structure, applications in the field of conservation genetics, DNA barcoding (site opens in a new window), gene flow, speciation, hybridization and analyses of mating patterns.

Researchers of different departments use these tools, and various research programs are carried out on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial invertebrates and vertebrates.