Molecular collections
Scientist loading DNA onto a gel
The Botany Department’s molecular collections contain material for investigating plants at the molecular level.
Sample of plant material preserved with silica gel - the orange crystals
Material consists of two types:
- Small samples of fresh material stored in sealed bags with silica gel crystals.
- DNA samples extracted from the silica gel-preserved samples. These are stored at -80oC in aliquots - fractions held in small test tubes.
These materials are cross-referenced to other relevant specimens - such as whole plant specimens in the main collections.
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Collection management and curation
Find out how the molecular collections at the Museum are prepared and managed.