A DNA Sequencer, Real-time PCR Machine, Gradient Thermal Cycler, and Auxiliary Equipment for Research and Training in Molecular Evolution and Ecology

该合同为购买16毛细管DNA测序仪、实时聚合酶链式反应测序仪、梯度聚合酶链式反应热循环仪和数据分析系统提供部分支持--所有这些都将安装在一个共享的设施中。该仪器将用于研究自然界分子水平的变异，以及这种变异的进化含义。将开发对当前的进化和生态学研究计划至关重要的几项能力，包括：(1)高度多态的基因类型(微卫星、SNP、AFLP、TRFLP)的分析；(2)基因表达的定量PCR分析；以及(3)DNA测序。该仪器的六个主要用户代表了一套不同的研究方案，其中通过使用这些分子工具了解生物多样性的基础是一个主要目标。此外，加入样品制备设施和分子数据计算分析中心将使许多其他石溪研究小组能够用新的数据形式解决重要的生态和进化问题。这个适应和多样性分子研究中心实验室的建立还将对石溪大学和更大范围的社区的生命科学研究和教学产生重大的、更广泛的影响。首先，该仪器将大大增强我们部门的培训能力，并使整个石溪社区的生物学家之间能够进行新的互动和合作。此外，该实验室将用于基本分子生物学技术的本科生培训，这对生命科学的许多职业至关重要。这给石溪大学的本科生社区带来了新的实实在在的好处，这个社区是美国最多元化的社区之一。最后，通过与长岛推进科学教育小组(LICASE)的活动相配合，拟议的设施将扩大对当地K-12学生和教育工作者的接触，是向广大公众展示生态和进化思想和信息的新的重要手段。

This award provides partial support for the purchase of a 16-capillary DNA sequencer, real-time PCR machine, gradient PCR thermal cycler, and data analysis system - all to be housed in a shared facility. The instrumentation will be used in studies of molecular-level variation in nature, and the evolutionary implications of that variation. Several capabilities that are crucial to current evolutionary and ecological research programs will be developed, including: (1) analysis of highly polymorphic genotypes (microsatellite, SNP, AFLP, TRFLP); (2) quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression; and (3) DNA sequencing. The six major users of the instrumentation represent a diverse set of research programs in which understanding the basis of biological diversity, through the use of these molecular tools, is a principal goal. In addition, the inclusion of a sample preparation facility and center for computational analysis of molecular data will enable many other Stony Brook research groups to address important ecological and evolutionary questions with novel forms of data. Establishment of this central laboratory for molecular studies of adaptation and diversity will also have significant broader impacts on life sciences research and teaching at Stony Brook and in the larger community. First, the instrumentation will substantially augment the training capabilities of our department and enable new interactions and collaborations among biologists throughout the Stony Brook community. Additionally, the laboratory will be used for undergraduate training in basic molecular biology techniques, vital to many careers in the life sciences. This represents a novel and tangible benefit to the Stony Brook undergraduate community, which is one the most diverse in the nation. Finally, by synergizing with the activities of the Long Island Group for Advancing Science Education (LIGASE), the proposed facility will augment outreach to local K-12 students and educators, representing a new and important means for presenting ecological and evolutionary ideas and information to the public at large.