Confocal microscopy

Researchers at the University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences are using confocal microscopy to obtain high quality images of processes in plants, animals, and yeast. These images provide crucial information that can help us to understand how biological systems work. We request funds for a new confocal microscope to investigate biological questions including: how cells specialise and grow in plant roots, how guard cells on leaves open and close to control the flow of water and gases, how wheat grains form, how pollen and stigmas interact during fertilisation in flowering plants, and how insect ears work. At the moment we use confocal microscopes in other buildings at the University or in other cities or countries to do this work, but it is difficult or impossible to transport delicate experimental material safely and without damage. We request a contribution towards a dedicated microscope for the Department. This bid is supported by funds from within our Department and a substantial discount from the manufacturer.

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol houses many research teams that regularly use confocal microscopy, and many of these projects are BBSRC-funded. Recent technical advances and new appointments are accelerating demand. At the moment confocal imaging takes place in the Cell Imaging Facility at the University Medical School, 10 minutes walk across the city campus. This facility does not include any specialist controlled environment growth or holding space in which we can prepare our specimens. It is essential for future BBSRC-supported research in the School that we acquire a local confocal microscope so that we can prepare high quality experimental material close to the imaging facility, and minimise the detrimental effects of transporting samples across the city. An increasing number of researchers use material that is difficult or impossible to transport to the medical school, either because of containment (e.g. genetically modified specimens), or because transport between buildings would damage the material (e.g. physiologically sensitive plants growing in controlled environments). A dedicated confocal microscope in the School of Biological Sciences will facilitate a significant increase in the quality, type and volume of imaging work conducted in the School. Specific projects are listed in the attached Case for Support Part 2, but include detailed work on mechanisms of signal perception and response and development in plants, yeast, and animals. A confocal microscope is beyond the budget that any of us could apply for in a single project grant, hence this bid to the BBSRC JEI.