Plant & Animal Genome VII Conference

W61

FLUORESCENT LABELING AND DIGITAL IMAGING BASICS FOR PLANT AND ANIMAL GENOME RESEARCH

601 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA

Technological advancements, such as multicolor fluorescence labeling and detection, digital imaging, and electronic data processing have greatly accelerated the rate of gathering and of processing plant and animal genome data. This session is designed to help researchers understand the technology basics needed for survival in the electronic imaging and analysis environment. We will cover the basics needed for working with fluorescent dyes including: principles of fluorescence, dye selection, labeling, types of filters, background fluorescence, and dye handling. Digital imaging topics include: significance of 8- and 16-bit systems, photomultiplier tubes, grey level adjustments, color separation software, and image file management. Data analysis software functions useful for quantitation and genotype analysis will also be discussed. Examples of fluorecence imaging used in a wide variety of gel, blot and solution-based research applications, including DNA arrays, AFLP, microsatellites, differential display, Western blots, and molecular beacons will be presented.