A Capillary-Based Automated Sequencer and Associated Equipment for High-Throughput Sequencing and Genotyping at the Center for Biosystematics and Biological Diversity (CBBD)

Texas A&M Agrilife Research, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

This award provides partial support for the purchase of an automated 16-capillary DNA sequencer, ancillary hardware, and data analysis software to be housed in the Center for Biosystematics and Biological Diversity (CBBD) at Texas A&M University (TAMU). The equipment will allow for high throughput nucleotide sequencing and automated genotyping in support of research projects in molecular phylogenetics, population genetics, biogeography, genetic toxicology, and comparative genomics. Examples of research areas that will benefit from this award include: (1) phylogenetics and population genetics of insects, many of which are pest species; (2) conservation genetics of fragmented and threatened species; (3) molecular based studies of microbial biodiversity in ocean systems; (4) integration of molecular phylogenetics and ecological studies of South American fishes; (5) comparative genomics, molecular phylogenetics, and population genetics of mammalian and avian systems; (6) plant phylogenetics and population genetics; and (7) genetic toxicology of natural populations. This acquisition will enhance traditional graduate and post-graduate research training, as well as research experiences for undergraduates involved in REU and UMEB programs.