The Department of Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics at the Julius-von-Sachs Institute, University of Würzburg, encompasses approximately 500 m2 of S1-registered exclusive laboratory space and glasshouses. The department is divided into separate labs for molecular biology, biochemistry, electrophysiology (patch-clamp, intracellular multi-barrelled microelectrode recordings, Xenopus oocyte voltage clamp measurements, scanning ion-selective electrode measurements, amperometry), structural biology, cell culture and microscopy/spectroscopy (confocal laser scanning microscope, laser-microdissection, microtomes, cell-tram for single cell sampling). The institute also houses radiation safety labs to allow radioactive labelling of proteins and nucleic acids. The department is completely equipped, having state-of-the-art (ultra-) centrifuges, PCR machines, sterile hoods (for plant and mammalian cell culture), PCR work stations, cultivation shakers, -20 °C and -80 °C freezers, RNA microinjection and gas exchange stations. In vitro molecular interaction analyses can be performed using a newly-acquired surface plasmon resonance system. For real-time PCR experiments, three front-line real-time PCR machines (Roche and Eppendorf) are available. In addition, a technical workshop, fully technician-supported glasshouses and environmental growth chambers are part of the Julius-von-Sachs Institute.
