Introduction

Introduction
CEMB has many unique features in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology research in Pakistan and among them DNA core Facility is the pride of the institute. It is one of the best facilities not only in Pakistan but most of the Asian countries. There are three components of the facility; DNA Sequencing, DNA Genotyping and DNA Synthesis. The main objective of the facility is to provide DNA analysis and oligoneucleotide synthesis services to the researchers in the centre as well as out side the centre.

DNA Sequencing/Genotyping Facility:
Considering the upcoming demands and needs of DNA sequencing and genotyping in the field of biotechnology, CEMB initiated automated DNA sequencing, in 1999, on a single capillary DNA sequencer. Recognizing the significance of DNA sequencing in the molecular biology research, the lab was strengthened by adding three more 16-capillary, and one 48-capillary systems. So at this time DNA Sequencing facility of the centre is the largest sequencing facility in Pakistan with 4- DNA sequencers from ABI with a total out put of 96 samples processed at a time. So now it is the first such kind of high throughput sequencing/genotyping laboratory in Pakistan. The centre had made many publications on the basis of data generated from this facility.
The data generated in this facility is accurate precise and reliable and can be compared with any other internationally well recognized labs.
 

DNA Synthesis Facility
In 2006, another success was made by adding a DNA synthesizer in the facility to produce in house DNA primer/oligo in the centre. The centre has also developed expertise in this field and the facility is now also offering the primers and oligos through HEC sponsorship as well as to the private institutes on payment.
One of the evidence of the success CEMB has made is that many departments of the university of Punjab as well as other universities have stated there research programs considering that they will get their DNA samples analyzed accurately in this facility to get the data.
While the facility has been sponsored by HEC to serve clients at the public sector universities, it may eventually offer contract based services for public and private laboratories outside the universities.
So, the DNA Core Facility is considered to be the key facility in CEMB. In the progress that CEMB has made and still making history in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, this facility has major role.