List of molecular biology topics

Molecular Biology is a branch of biology that concerns the molecular basis of biological activity between biomolecules in the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between DNA, RNA, proteins and their biosynthesis, as well as the regulation of these interactions. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry. Molecular biology chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interrelationship of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and learning how these interactions are regulated.

Fundamental Concepts

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the process in which DNA is transcribed into RNA, then translated into protein. Despite being an oversimplification, this concept serves as a fundamental principle in the field of molecular biology.

• DNA Replication: The process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules.
• Transcription: The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
• RNA Splicing: The modification of the nascent pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) transcript.
• Translation: The process in which ribosomes in a cell's cytoplasm create proteins, following transcription of DNA to RNA in the cell's nucleus.
• Gene Expression: The process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein.

Techniques in Molecular Biology

Molecular biology encompasses a wide range of techniques used to study genes, gene expression, and the function of proteins. These include:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A method widely used in molecular biology to make several copies of a specific DNA segment.
• Gel Electrophoresis: A technique for separating molecules based on their size and charge.
• Molecular Cloning: The process of making multiple molecules.
• Sequencing: Determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA or RNA molecule.

Applications

Molecular biology has vast applications in medicine, genetics, biotechnology, and many other areas. Some of the key applications include:

• Genetic Testing: Testing individuals for heritable conditions.
• Gene Therapy: The therapeutic delivery of nucleic acid into a patient's cells as a drug to treat disease.
• Biotechnology: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products.
• Pharmacogenomics: The study of how genes affect a person's response to drugs.

See Also

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics