A Confocal Microscope for Research in Biological Sciences

Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr PA

Investigators

Abstract

Six faculty members and their students in the Biology Departments at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges will use a Nikon laser scanning confocal microscope for studies in cell and molecular biology. This system includes a Nikon Eclipse E800 Upright Research Microscope, a Nikon PCM-2000ML scanning confocal with two multi-lines lasers, an argon ion laser (457 nm, 488 nm and 514 nm) and a HeNe green laser (543 nm), a transmitted light detector, and a quantitative 2D/3D software package. The Nikon scanning confocal microscope will greatly facilitate and broaden the scope of research performed by the Biology faculty at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges by providing a state-of-the-art system for detailed image acquisition and analysis. Each investigator will incorporate the scanning laser confocal microscope into their independent research programs. These programs address a variety of molecular, cellular and developmental questions, including calcium imaging of plateau potentials in leech neurons; assembly of synaptic proteins in developing rat sympathetic neurons; cell proliferation in chick embryonic neuromeres; control of meiosis in C. elegans; molecular basis of programmed cell death in T lymphocytes, and biogenesis and regulation of microtubule containing structures in Chlamydomonas. The acquisition of the Nikon scanning confocal microscope will also enrich the research experience of undergraduate biology majors at Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, which is a major component of science education at both institutions. It will also benefit the graduate program in Biology at Bryn Mawr College by providing a high quality research tool for developing investigative skills.