Realizing the great potential that molecular genetic techniques, in combination with phylogenetic analysis methods, held for studies in evolutionary biology, paleontology, and systematics, the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) and the University and Jepson Herbaria (UC/JEPS) formally established the Molecular Phylogenetics Laboratory (MPL) in 1995. The MPL, located in the Valley Life Sciences Building, is equipped with thermal cyclers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cycle sequencing, an Eagle Eye still video documentation system, and Perkin Elmer ABI Prism 377 Genetic Analysis Systems that use fluorescent dye based technologies for DNA sequencing and fragment analysis. The laboratory also has facilities for recombinant DNA technology, including subcloning, restriction analysis, DNA and RNA probe synthesis, in situ hybridization, and library screening. All pre-PCR applications (sample preparation, nucleic acid extractions, PCR set-up, etc.) are done in the laboratories of individual faculty investigators in the Department of Integrative Biology, or in group laboratory facilities housed in the UCMP and University/Jepson Herbaria. Use of this laboratory is limited to persons affiliated (graduate students, staff, postdoctoral researchers, visitors) with the Museum of Paleontology or the University/Jepson Herbaria and sponsored by one of four faculty members (see "People") associated with these research units. Activities within the MPL are coordinated by Dr. Sharon Moshel-Lynch. For further information, contact her (email: smlynch@uclink.berkeley.edu; phone 510.642.8687) or any of the faculty members affiliated with the laboratory.
