FIGURE 17.2 - Long-term storage of BAC libraries in cardboard boxes. Boxes are 39.5 x 14.7 x 11.6 cm. Once replication of QII plates is finished, the master copy of the library is ready for long-term (and presumably permanent) storage at -80°C. (a) Stack the microtiter plates of the master copy in columns nine plates high. Arrange the plates in a column in ascending numerical order from top to bottom. Secure each column of plates with two rubber bands as shown (BE CAREFUL NOT TO JAR OR SHARPLY TILT PLATES). (b) In the first cardboard storage box, place four columns of plates (in particular, the columns containing plates 1-9, 10-18, 19-27, and 28-36). Close the box. (c) Label the box on top-, front-, and side-panels. Place the next 36 consecutive plates in a second library storage box as described above. Continue the process until all of the library plates are in library storage boxes. Place the labeled library storage boxes containing the master copy of the library in a -80°C freezer.