These growth chambers control the light, temperature, and gaseous composition of the atmosphere, including oxygen concentration. Modern facilities for growth of algae under controlled conditions also are available, and a small collection of algal cultures is maintained The biochemical facilities consist of several modern laboratories completely equipped to do biochemistry and molecular biology with suitable equipment for studies involving proteins, nucleic acids, or any of a range of plant pigment systems. A confocal microscope is available for studies involving the use of fluorescent probes of cellular constituents. Equipment for radioisotopic work and enzymological studies is also available. Extensive controlled-environment dark space, including both cold rooms and growth rooms, is suitable for a broad range of plant photobiological studies.
Specialized apparatus is constructed in the department shop, open to all members of the department.
The department has recently acquired a robotic gridder and scanner to make and read DNA microarrays for use in monitoring the expression of large numbers of genes. The department maintains two field stations at middle and high elevations in the central Sierra Nevadas. The use of these facilities for scientific and educational purposes by investigators and classes from other institutions is permitted by prior arrangement. The stations are ideally located and equipped for studies of the Sierra transect. This combination of facilities makes available a wide range of computer applications.