Purchase of a gradient capable thermocycler

此申请是为购买梯度功能热循环仪的资金。热循环仪（也称为PCR机）是在应用重组DNA技术期间用于扩增DNA分子的重要常规研究仪器。在我们的NSERC资助的RNA催化研究中，我们在体外选择过程中大量利用PCR扩增（也称为指数富集配体选择性进化，SELEX），这是我们产生具有新特性的RNA分子的主要方法。我们研究的主要目标是更深入地了解基于RNA的催化作用，并利用这一特性开发可用于检测毒素，代谢物或重要生物标志物的生物传感器。除了我们自己的RNA研究，热循环仪是该部门所有生物化学家的重要研究工具。

This application is for funds to purchase a gradient capable thermocycler. A thermocycler (also known as a PCR machine) is an important routine research instrument used to amplify DNA molecules during the application of recombinant DNA techniques. In our NSERC funded research on RNA catalysis we heavily utilize PCR amplification during the process of in vitro selection (also known as Selective Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment, SELEX), our primary approach to generate RNA molecules with novel properties. The primary goals of our research are to develop a deeper understanding of RNA based catalysis and to utilize this property for the development of biosensors that can be used to detect toxins, metabolites or important biomarkers. In addition to our own RNA research, the thermocycler is an essential research tool for all biochemists in the department.