Operating under the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Üsküdar University, the Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory is an advanced research and application center where scientific production is carried out in compliance with global standards in the fields of biotechnology, genetics, and microbiology.
What is the Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory? / What is its Purpose?
Main Purpose: The primary purpose of the Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory is to develop new products and services needed by the industry, contribute to molecular biology-based R&D and innovation studies in our country, and design new scientific methods to be placed at the service of humanity. The laboratory centers its focus on conducting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research aimed at establishing high-value-added collaborations between the university and industry. At the same time, it resolutely continues its infrastructure development efforts aimed at protecting human and environmental health and solving existing biological problems.
Devices and Technical Equipment Available in the Laboratory
Salient Features: The laboratory infrastructure has been structured with high-technology device equipment to perform sensitive analyses at the cellular, microbial, and genetic levels, DNA manipulations, and biotechnological syntheses. The technical equipment that enables the molecular processes carried out in the laboratory to be monitored with high accuracy includes:
- Molecular Analysis and Genomic Equipment: High-precision amplification systems that enable the amplification of genetic material during preparation processes prior to polymorphism, genotyping, and DNA sequencing.
- Genetic Engineering and Recombinant Infrastructure: Nucleic acid purification systems and electrophoresis units used in plasmid isolation, cloning, and gene transfer processes within the scope of recombinant DNA technologies.
- Microbiology and Culture Equipment: Controlled incubators and deep-freezer storage units that ensure microorganisms and cell lines are incubated, propagated, and preserved under sterile conditions in microbial biotechnology studies.
- Sterilization and Bio-Security Systems: Bio-security cabinets and advanced sterilization devices that reduce risks to human and environmental health to zero and prevent intra-laboratory contamination.
Research Areas and Application Areas
Academic Contribution: The laboratory offers a wide spectrum of research opportunities to the department's academic staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students participating in research projects. The main study and research areas actively carried out in the laboratory are:
- Human Genetics and Polymorphism: Detection of genetic variations in the human genome, polymorphisms, and molecular mechanisms of hereditary diseases.
- Recombinant DNA Technologies: Gene cloning, vector design, recombinant protein production, and genetic engineering applications.
- Microbiology: Studies on the isolation, identification, and physiological and molecular characterization of microorganisms.
- Biotechnology and Microbial Biotechnology: R&D processes for developing biotechnological products, enzymes, and metabolites of industrial value using microorganisms.
- Environmental and Human Health Research: Bioremediation strategies aimed at solving environmental problems and protective/preventive molecular solutions safeguarding human health.
Contributions to Students and the Industry
- Early-Stage Professional Experience: Students of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics gain direct professional and experimental experience by actively participating in laboratory practices and ongoing research projects starting from the second year of their education (sophomore year).
- Industrial Innovation Support: It directly contributes to domestic production and industry by designing molecular solutions to meet the industry's growing innovation and product development needs.
- Graduate Research Base: It provides graduate students at the master's and doctoral levels with an advanced research environment at international standards for their thesis studies and independent projects.
- Multidisciplinary Working Culture: Through the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary projects carried out within its body, it enhances the ability of researchers and students to speak a common language and produce joint solutions across different branches of science.
