LABORATORIES

Computer laboratories

The computer lab houses more than 50 computers capable of handling advanced bioinformatics software and molecular graphics, for in silico biology. These include Silicon Graphics workstations with all necessary software packages such as GCG and Insight/Discover etc. and Pentium IV computers: each student is assigned an individual PC for the entire academic year.

Wet lab facilities

• The protein purification facility at IBAB includes all infrastructure and equipment required for routine isolation and downstream processing of proteins of interest from crude samples: cold room, high- and low-speed refrigerated centrifuges, microfuges and ultra-pure water purification systems. Chromatography can be carried out at ambient or low temperature and purity and activity assayed by standard analytical techniques.
  
  
• The molecular biology lab has facilities for genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology), analysis and comparative studies. The equipment and reagents required for cloning, studying of genes, their expression and comparison are available. Facilities for amplification of DNA by PCR, separation and further sequencing are all available under one roof.
  
  
• The microbiology facility includes laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, microscopes, incubators and shakers for growing and screening of microbes.
  
  
• A tissue culture facility for eukaryotic cells is available, including laminar flow hoods, CO2 incubators and routine microscopes required for tissue culture. A clean environment and following of stringent rules minimizes the problems associated with contamination. Ultra-low freezers (-80°C) and other cryo-preservation facilities are available.
  
  
• IBAB has a DNA sequencing facility that is based on the automated 8-capillary DNA sequencer, the CEQ model, from Beckman Coulter, USA.