Laboratory of Molecular Systematics MSL

The Laboratory of Molecular Systematics (Molekylärsystematiska laboratoriet, MSL) was established in 1992 as a centrally managed resource for researchers, graduate students and external users. The laboratory is situated in very close vicinity to the main museum.

MSL offers a modern, fully equipped molecular laboratory set up for preparation of DNA from fresh or preserved/dried tissues, PCR, cloning, DNA sequencing and fragment analysis. Users have access to two automated sequencers (one ABI377-XL, 96 samples, and ABI 3100 (16 capillaries), and the assistance of a skilled technical staff. For sequence assembly and processing we recommend the Staden Package, available on our local Linux server (Staden, R., Beal, K. & Bonfield, J.K., 1998). Our computing facilities also include four multiprocessor servers which enable us to handle large-scale phylogenetic analyses.

MSL further provides training in molecular techniques and phylogenetic methods. Current research projects concern various groups of seed plants, bryophytes, lichens, annelids, mussels, dragonflies, caddiesflies and birds, as well as development of new phylogenetic methods. The laboratory also offers a very stimulating work environment, characterized by interactions between workers in different specialties and between senior researchers and graduate students.

Reference: Staden R., K. Beal & J.K. Bonfield 1998. The Staden Package. In S. Misener & S.A. Krawets (eds), Computer methods in molecular biology 132: Bioinformatics methods and protocols. The Human Press, Inc., Totowa.

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Staden Package