Molecular Biology at the Center for Applied Aquatic Ecology

Molecular Biology

Research in the CAAE's molecular laboratory is centered on the development and use of species-specific DNA probes to rapidly identify harmful algae maintained in culture or received in as field samples. Many harmful algal species closely resemble benign species so that they are difficult or impossible to identify with certainty using light microscopy. Species-specific molecular probes provide a reliable method of identifying harmful algae. We are currently working with colleagues such as Dr. Parke Rublee (UNC-Greensboro) to develop other molecular techniques (microarrays) that can be used in both freshwaters and estuaries to rapidly screen for various harmful algae.