Dr. Markus Kiefer

Dr. Markus Kiefer Im Neuenheimer Feld 345 69120 Heidelberg Fon +49 6221 54-4679 Fax +49 6221 54-5508 ed.grebledieh-inu.soc TEA refeik.sukram Consultation hours: 9-17 Uhr

Management of technology platforms - AG Koch

Bioinformatics and biodiversity informatics

Since the department of biodiversity and plant systematics has considerable computational resources at its disposal we are able to do most sequence analysis tasks in-house within a reasonable timeframe. The tools are available on local server machines, so they are customizable if needed. Several webbased databases do exist as information collections for genera of interest for research projects. Phylogenetic inference is done routinely using all major algorithms and criteria (distance-based methods as well as heuristic searches, multi-parallel bayesian analysis).

DNA based analyses

The department's equipment allows to carry out most modern protocols ranging from PCR based methods  to cloning of DNA fragments in an S1 environment. Two capillary sequencers (Amersham MegaBace 500 and 1000) provide the opportunity for high through-put sequence and fragment analysis and efficient processing of raw data. Currently we routinely perform AFLP and microsatellite analysis. The facilities also allow the offer of regular courses for students in molecular biology (E1-practical course) in an additional students lab. 

Flow  cytometry, chromosome counts

Flow cytometry is done using a Partec CyFlow space cytometer fitted with UV lighting and a green laser for propidium iodide and DAPI detection. This allows for high throughput ploidy analysis and C-value determination. Additionally chromosome preparation and counting by means of epifluorescence microscopy  are well established.