Molecular laboratory, Hamburg

Genetic and Genomics Tools to Explore Animal Biodiversity and Evolution

Welcome to the Molecular Laboratory at the LIB and the Nature Museum of Hamburg, where we combine cutting-edge genetic analyses with museum specimens to study how biodiversity arises and changes through time. This core research facility houses modern molecular laboratories, including DNA/RNA extraction and PCR laboratories, a NGS laboratory and a Biobank, all readily accessible to LIB researchers and students.

Our research employs both basic genetic and advance genomic techniques to dig into the evolutionary tapestry of life, the complex relationships between species and to clarify species evolutionary histories.

Museum specimens, some curated over many decades, are invaluable sources of genetic information for the study of species evolution, taxonomy, conservation, and ecology. Current research projects include phylogenetics, population genetics, species delimitation, museomics and comparative genomics.

The Facilities

The tasks conducted in our labs range from molecular taxonomy and barcoding, to comparative genomics, bioinformatics and biobanking. All of these approaches are facilitated by: The Extraction Lab.

We use different protocols for DNA and RNA extraction. The following devices are available in the extraction room: precision scales, Refrigerated and normal centrifuges, 6 Clean bench spots, Fume hood, Laminar + UV clean hood, Water purification system.

The PCR and NGS Labs. We have a wide range of devices, which allow us to apply a variety of workflows, ranging from single gene DNA barcoding to NGS library prep and sequencing. The following devices are available:
8 Bench spots, Thermocyclers, Centrifuges, E-Gel Power Snap, Qbit, BluePippin Prep, TapeStation, Covaris Focused-ultrasonicator, Real-Time-PCR system, MinIon sequencers The Gel Lab. This isolated room is used to run electrophoresis gels The Biobank. Where tissue samples, DNA/RNA extractions and libraries are catalogued and stored.