Center for Comparative Genomics

Genomics Lab

Welcome to the CCG Genomics Lab.  The CCG lab is a fully equipped DNA sequencing and genotyping facility available for use to CAS researchers and associates. Academy curators, students, and technicians utilize the lab for conducting genetic research. Genetic data collected in the CCG lab are used to help answer questions about the ecology, systematics, evolutionary biology, and diversity of species. Please read on to gain more information about the CCG facilities and projects currently underway in the lab.

Genomics Lab Facilities

The Sequencing Lab is used for all post-PCR processing of DNA samples. It has eight PCR thermocyclers, an ABI3130xl Genetic Analyzer and an ABI3730xl Genetic Analyzer. The lab is also equipped for molecular cloning.

The DNA extraction lab is used to extract DNA from plant and animal tissues. It is Biosafety Level 2 certified to allow for the processing of bird and mammal samples collected overseas.

The PCR set-up lab is used for the handling and short-term storage of all DNA extractions. It also houses our Direct-Q 3 Water Purification System by Millipore.

The gel electropheresis room is set up for imaging agarose gels and conducting band excision using the BioSpectrum AC Imaging System and VisionWorks software. It also contains a fume hood where phenol-chloroform DNA extractions are performed.

The freezer room houses the Academy's frozen tissue collection. With 24 freezers, the room is outfitted with an emergency back-up power system to keep them running during a power outage. This room is also home to the CCG's CryoCollection.

CCG Lab Projects

Students and staff from all research departments of the Academy are working on interesting projects in the CCG lab. From barnacles to birds, pipefish to plants, check out what is currently happening in the Genomics Lab.