The following techniques will be covered during the course:

• Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), including FRAP experiments

• Time lapse video microscopy with differential interference contrast for analysis of cyto-architecture

• (Immuno-)Fluorescence microscopy/ Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)

• Live cell imaging of fluorescently labeled proteins in living cells, e.g. green fluorescent protein (GFP)

• Quantitative cell measurements using fluorescence

• Quantitative polarization microscopy for cell polymers (LC-Polscope)

• Micromanipulation, including optical tweezers, and  Microinjection techniques

• Immunolabeling and immnuofluorescence localization

• Fundamentals of in situ hybridization (not a practical)

These techniques are essential for state-of-the-art cell biology. Importantly, not only cell biologists but also molecular biologists should be familiar with these methods. All of these techniques can be performed at the Laboratory of Plant Cell Biology of Wageningen University. Theoretical background will be offered on the cell biology of cytoskeleton, intracellular organization, membrane trafficking, and cell wall texture formation. Before each practical session a short briefing will be given by the instructors to explain the experimental procedures. The students will perform experiments themselves to gain hands-on experience. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own material that can be used additionally for the experiments.