Molecular Biology

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Study of macromolecules and their interactions in biological systems.

DNA structure and function: A basic understanding of the chemical structure and function of DNA is essential to understanding molecular biology.
RNA structure and function: RNA is the intermediary between DNA and protein synthesis. Understanding its structure and function is key to understanding how genes are expressed.
Protein structure and function: Proteins are the building blocks of life, and a basic understanding of their structure and function is essential to understanding molecular biology.
Central dogma of molecular biology: The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information.
Gene expression: Gene expression refers to how a gene is transcribed into RNA and then translated into protein.
DNA replication: DNA replication is the process of copying DNA prior to cell division.
Transcription: Transcription is the process of copying DNA into RNA.
Translation: Translation is the process of converting RNA to protein.
Genetic code: The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins.
Techniques in molecular biology: Techniques such as PCR, cloning, and gel electrophoresis are essential tools in molecular biology.
Genome sequencing and annotation: Genome sequencing involves determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome, while annotation involves identifying genes and other functional elements within that sequence.
Metagenomics: Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, allowing the study of entire microbial communities in their natural environments.
Phylogenetics: Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships among organisms, using genetic data to reconstruct their evolutionary history.
Comparative genomics: Comparative genomics involves comparing the genomes of different organisms to identify similarities and differences in gene content and organization.
Functional genomics: Functional genomics includes methods for studying the roles of genes and how they interact with each other.
Systems biology: Systems biology seeks to understand living systems as integrated networks of parts, rather than as isolated components.
Bioinformatics databases and tools: A variety of databases and bioinformatics tools are available to help researchers analyze genetic data.
Ethics and legality: The ethical and legal implications of using genetic information must be considered when working with molecular biology.
Genomics: The study of the genetic material of an organism, including the DNA sequences, gene structures, and variations in the genome.
Transcriptomics: The study of gene expression at the transcription level, including analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) levels.
Epigenomics: The study of epigenetic modifications to the genome that can affect gene expression, including DNA methylation and histone modifications.
Proteomics: The study of the structure, function, and interactions of all the proteins in an organism, including post-translational modifications.
Metabolomics: The study of the metabolites produced by an organism, including analysis of their chemical structures and pathways.
Structural biology: The study of the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, using techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.
Systems biology: The study of the interactions between the components of a biological system, including the proteins, genes, and metabolic pathways, using computational modeling and simulation.
Phylogenetics: The study of the evolutionary relationships between different species, based on their genetic and molecular similarities and differences.
Comparative genomics: The study of genomic similarities and differences between different organisms, including related species and different strains or varieties of the same species.
Immunoinformatics: The study of the immune system and its interactions with pathogens, including the identification of immunogenic proteins and the design of vaccines.
Synthetic biology: The engineering of biological systems to produce desired functions or traits, including the construction of synthetic genes and genomes.
"Molecular biology is the study of chemical and physical structure of biological macromolecules."
"It seeks to understand the molecular basis of biological activity in and between cells, including biomolecular synthesis, modification, mechanisms, and interactions."
"The term molecular biology was first used in 1945 by physicist William Astbury."
"In 1953, Francis Crick, James Watson, Rosalind Franklin, and colleagues created the double helix model of DNA."
"They proposed the DNA structure based on previous research done by Franklin and Maurice Wilkins."
"This led to the discovery of DNA material in other microorganisms, plants, and animals."
"The field of molecular biology includes techniques which enable scientists to learn about molecular processes."
"These techniques can be used to efficiently target new drugs, diagnose disease, and better understand cell physiology."
"Some clinical research and medical therapies arising from molecular biology are covered under gene therapy."
"The use of molecular biology or molecular cell biology in medicine is now referred to as molecular medicine."
"Molecular biology was first described as an approach focused on the underpinnings of biological phenomena."
"[Molecular biology] seeks to uncover the structures of biological molecules as well as their interactions."
"The goals include understanding biomolecular synthesis, modification, mechanisms, and interactions."
"Francis Crick, James Watson, Rosalind Franklin, and colleagues working at the Medical Research Council Unit, Cavendish Laboratory."
"It is a branch of biology that seeks to understand the molecular basis of biological activity in and between cells."
"Previous research done by Franklin and Maurice Wilkins contributed to the understanding of the DNA structure."
"Molecular biology enables scientists to learn about molecular processes, aiding in drug targeting, disease diagnosis, and cell physiology understanding."
"It provided important insights into the structure and function of DNA in various organisms."
"Molecular biology was first described as an approach focused on the underpinnings of biological phenomena."
"Molecular biology is a branch of biology that seeks to understand the molecular basis of biological activity."