This award provides funds to aid in the purchase of a matrix assisted, laser desorption ionization - time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) for use in research and training. The major use of such instruments is in determination of the mass of molecules, with accuracy of one-hundredth of an atomic weight. The instrument will be placed in a common facility where it is expected to enable research in a varied areas of biology, including studies of plant drought tolerance and selection of new plant variants, and the bioremediation of brown-earth sites. Other projects expected to make use of the instrument include studies of human proteins involved in cholesterol tolerance, and phylogenetic analysis of genetic diversity among relatively ancient animals, such as sharks, and primitive plants such as mosses, liverworts and hornworts. In addition, the instrument will be used to enhance research training for over 60 undergraduates involved in the Institution's Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Undergraduate Workship programs, as well as being used in training of graduate and postgraduate students.
