The physiology and molecular biology of these quiescent vegetative cells is such that they represent specialised dispersal and survival entities with unique cellular and physiological adaptations. Cyanobacterial toxins research is closely allied to the water industry and involves the regulation of expression of peptide toxins, their toxicology, and environmental monitoring and management of cyanobacterial populations. The MPG has extensive facilities for studying the physiology of microbes. Further development of the CellFacts instrument will implement red and green lasers into the construction to make use of existing and future fluorescence technology. The group also has access to both transmission and scanning electron microscopes, and category two and three pathogen handling laboratories.
All equipment is run by experienced permanent technicians with the appropriate skills.