Preparation Service Sample observation and image analysis

Presentation

The Sample Preparation, Observation and Image Analysis (SPOT) service is dedicated to imaging and sample preparation for observation andmicroscopy analysis.

The Morpho service covers a wide field of investigation, producing images ranging from landscapes to cellular microstructures.

The team masters all the techniques and adapts them to specific requests in support of IMBE research projects. This department has the following tools at its disposal image production (drone, binoculars, optical and electronic microscopes) and techniques for preparing objects for observation (photogrammetry, petrography, pollen preparation, histology, cytology).

The aim is to provide technical support and advice to staff working on landscape evolution, life cycles, taxonomy, morphological and cellular structure. The team also trains users in the department's various techniques.

The service is spread over two sites: theArbois and the Endoume marine station in Marseille. It has sorting, preparation and observation rooms.

Instruments and techniques

Photogrammetry

Macroscopy

Light microscopy

Electron microscopy

The Team

Technical manager of the MORPHO department
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Scientific manager of the MORPHO department
MCF-Maitre de Conferences
Search for a team member
Dahvya Belkacem-Doume
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Eliane Charrat
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Sandrine Chenesseau
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Alexander Ereskovskiy
DR-Research Director
Michelle Leydet
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Christian Marschal
ITA-Engineer Administrative Technician
Cecile Miramont
MCF-Maitre de Conferences
  • The equipment available enables different types of samples (soil, tissue, culture, etc.) to be prepared (weighed, dried, ground, dissociated, fixed).
  • Various types of macromolecules (gDNA, eDNA, RNA, Proteins) can be extracted from prepared samples.
  • Nanodrop and Qubit are used to quantify and assess the quality of extracted nucleic acids and proteins. The Nanodrop measures the concentration and purity of samples, while the Qubit offers a sensitive method for estimating the quantity of DNA, RNA or protein. Together, these tools guarantee accurate and reliable results, which are essential for subsequent analyses. This approach will help to optimise experimental protocols in molecular biology.
  • The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer system is a well-established automated electrophoresis solution for quality control of biomolecule samples. The system includes an instrument, data processing software, reagents and a dedicated microfluidic chip for DNA, RNA or protein analysis. It is suitable for next-generation sequencing (NGS), gene expression, biopharmaceutical and genome editing workflows, offering highly accurate analytical evaluation of various sample types.
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is used to amplify specific DNA sequences using thermal cyclers, making them easier to study. After amplification, the products are analysed by gel electrophoresis, where the DNA fragments migrate according to their size. Finally, gel imaging (Gel Doc XR+) captures the image of the DNA bands, making it easier to interpret the results. PCR products can also be inserted into plasmids and then cloned into commercial bacteria. E.coli type I by transformation.
  • SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) is a technique for separating proteins based on their size, enabling their composition to be analysed. Western blotting is then used to transfer these proteins to a membrane and detect them specifically using antibodies. The proteins are visualised using a Chemidoc system, which uses chemiluminescence methods to capture images. These combined techniques enable the expression and modification of proteins in various biological samples to be studied.
  • Hybridization in situ (HIS) is a technique used in molecular biology to locate and visualise DNA or RNA sequences directly in cells or tissues of whole individuals, without removing them. This method makes it possible to observe gene expression in its spatial context, providing valuable information about development, differentiation and cellular interactions. By using labelled probes, it is possible to detect specific genes and study their localisation and regulation. This approach is particularly useful in fundamental biological studies. Manual HIS can be automated using the InsituPro VSI robot.

 

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) are techniques capable of detecting the presence of proteins in tissues using specific antibodies followed by secondary antibodies labelled with a fluorophore. They are essential for studying the localisation of proteins in fixed tissues. Manual IHC can be automated using the InsituPro VSI robot.

 

  • qPCR or quantitative PCR is a molecular biology technique used to amplify and quantify a specific DNA sequence or cDNA in real time. Unlike conventional PCR, it measures the quantity of DNA or cDNA in each cycle, thanks to the emission of a fluorescence that is proportional to the amplification. Its efficiency and precision make it an essential tool for comparing gene expression or the number of copies of a target sequence in samples.

 

  • Electroporation is a technique used to introduce molecules such as plasmids, RNAi and morpholinos into cells or living organisms. It involves applying an electric field to create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing these molecules to enter. For example, this method is essential for studying gene expression or protein function.