Molecular techniques have revolutionized many areas of biological oceanography. Research on topics ranging from genetic biodiversity of viruses and fishes, the molecular regulation of photosynthetic carbon fixation, and stress responses in foraminifera is being conducted by investigators at the University of South Florida's Department of Marine Science. Instrumentation is requested to augment these ongoing studies and to stimulate new areas of research on the genetics and molecular biology of marine organisms. The instrumentation requested includes a Molecular Imaging System for quantitative molecular probing, Fluorescence Microscopy Imaging Systems for rapid analysis of fluorescently stained or autofluorescent samples, and a Preparative Ultracentrifuge for a myriad of uses in cell, micro- and molecular biology. None of the requested instrumentation currently exists on our campus and its acquisition will greatly improve our capabilities to understand molecular aspects of life in the oceans.
