2.1 Techware

Plasticware. All experiments were performed in lockable sterilised polypropylene test tubes (capacity of 0.2 to 50 ml). Liquids were transferred by automatic pipettors (Gilson) using sterilised pipette-tips. For volumes larger than 1 ml, sterilised graduated plastic pipettes were used. All tubes were sterilised by steam autoclaving (45min, 121C).

Centrifuges. Centrifugations were run in cooled or unrefrigerated microcentrifuges (Eppendorf tubes) and refrigerated tabletop centrifuges.

Refrigeration. A refrigerator and a –20C freezer were used. A refrigerated cabinet (4C) was used for microcentrifugation. Liquid nitrogen and crashed ice was also necessary for this study.

Light measurement. A UV/Vis spectrophotometer was used for DNA quantification. An ultraviolet (UV) transilluminating light source (302 nm) was necessary to visualise reaction products. A dark room equipped with a Polaroid camera and a developing unit was used for documentation.

Electrophoresis systems. Two power supplies and two different gel-systems (vertical sequencing unit and submerged minigels) were used together with the necessary auxiliary equipment.

Thermocycler. An OmniGene (Hybaid) as well as a GeneAmp PCR System 9700 (Perkin-Elmer) thermocycler were used during this study.

Common laboratory equipment. A pH meter, hotplate-stirrer, vortex mixer, balances for weighting reagents, laboratory timers and desiccators were required.

© 2001 Alexander Binder