In the molecular lab, we extract DNA from all types of organisms, and we have equipment for amplifying DNA fragments (PCR and qPCR), measuring DNA concentrations, DNA gel electrophoresis, fragment analysis and DNA sequencing with an Illumina MiniSeq instrument.

DNA extracts that are produced by us go into NTNU University Museum's scientific collections, where they are stored at -80°C for future use.

Data produced by the molecular laboratory is used in many different research projects related to biodiversity in time and space. This type of data is particularly useful in biosystematics, conservation biology, population genetics and identification of species (DNA barcoding). We use DNA sequence data generated by both Sanger sequencing and high throughput sequencing.

The NTNU University Museum's molecular laboratory consists of a total of three different rooms: a pre-PCR room, a post-PCR room and a clean room specially equipped for the extraction and manipulation of small amounts of DNA from historical and archaeological samples, as well as environmental samples.