Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The applicants' research programs use fruit flies and fish to address questions involving the molecular genetics of complex networks, energy metabolism and ecological physiology.  Our research programs are distinct, but bridge departmental and discipline boundaries united by a central focus on enzyme function and metabolic complexity.  While we ask different questions, we share a common absolute requirement for the accurate quantification of enzyme kinetics and metabolite concentration, and fundamental need to efficiently and quickly process a large number of temperature-sensitive samples.  We propose to purchase a package of equipment necessary for spectrophotmetric assays of a large number of samples for a suite of enzyme activities and metabolite concentrations.  This package is built around a microbalance and a microplate spectrophotometer, two pieces of equipment that are required as a package for our research.  This package of equipment will be unique on the Laurentian University campus allowing research projects not otherwise possible.  Further, the package will allow continuation and expansion of the research programs of both laboratories of the applicants, and allow on the training of undergraduate and graduate students under the supervision of the applicants and other researchers in both Chemistry and Biochemistry and Biology Departments.