What is Molecular biology: Definition and 35 Discussions

Molecular biology is the branch of biology that concerns the molecular basis of biological activity in and between cells, including molecular synthesis, modification, mechanisms and interactions. The central dogma of molecular biology describes the process in which DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.William Astbury described molecular biology in 1961 in Nature, as:

...not so much a technique as an approach, an approach from the viewpoint of the so-called basic sciences with the leading idea of searching below the large-scale manifestations of classical biology for the corresponding molecular plan. It is concerned particularly with the forms of biological molecules and [...] is predominantly three-dimensional and structural – which does not mean, however, that it is merely a refinement of morphology. It must at the same time inquire into genesis and function.Some clinical research and medical therapies arising from molecular biology are covered under gene therapy whereas the use of molecular biology or molecular cell biology in medicine is now referred to as molecular medicine. Molecular biology also plays important role in understanding formations, actions, and regulations of various parts of cells which can be used to efficiently target new drugs, diagnose disease, and understand the physiology of the cell.

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  1. michelefanti

    Advice for self-studying biophysics after my BSc in Physics

    TL;DR Summary: Briefly i'm asking for guidance through self-studying biophysics. Hello everyone, i've almost finished my bsc in physics and i got intrigued by biophysics, although my university doesn't provide courses for the subject. I wanted to get a grasp of the subject by myself but...
  2. H

    Biology Honors Project thought

    Hello, I am a community college student currently in cellular and molecular biology. I wanted to do an honors project for this class and I was hoping I could get some thoughts or suggestions on this idea. My project idea is this; I want to help make anti venom through a new and creative way. I...
  3. S

    Questions Regarding Methods of Gene Cloning

    I have been told that the traditional restriction digestion cloning method, where you use restriction enzyme to produce sticky ends in the gene of interest and the plasmid vector, is vulnerable to contamination. The lecturer proceeds to conclude that Gibson Assembly Cloning is therefore a...
  4. despues18

    Programs Seeking advice on how to search for a Graduate School in Molecular Biology

    Will finish B.S. in molecular biology in May. Have found asking vague questions about where to go/apply to next are pretty unhelpful. I believe that going through indexes of interesting research is the closest I can get to finding a place to advance myself and be happy in. here is an example...
  5. T

    What are housekeeping and constitutive genes?

    I have come across two set of definitions which are not contradictory but different. From wikipedia: A constitutive gene is a gene that is transcribed continually as opposed to a facultative gene, which is only transcribed when needed. A housekeeping gene is typically a constitutive gene...
  6. T

    What is the structure of DNA polymerase III?

    According to Snustard and Simmons the structure of DNA polymerase III is the following, where the clamp loader( γ -δ complex ) is present on one side: But according to Lehninger the clamp loader is centrally located: Which one is right? Besides where can I find a correct diagrammatic...
  7. S

    Any non-textbook books about Cell Bio?

    Hey guys, I'm looking for a book to read just to gain a deeper understanding of cell bio. I found this book, but I'm not sure I want to read it yet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814307327/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I'm looking for something that isn't in a textbook format. Any suggestions? Thanks, -Serg
  8. TranscedentKid

    Schools Between H.S and college: would like pre-study STEM advice?

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  9. J

    Cell physiology vs Molecular biology vs Cell Biology?

    What exactly is the concrete difference between those three?
  10. A

    Engineering Seeking Career Advise (Engineering, Physics, Molecular Biology)

    Hello, While I'm reading though various threads here on PhysicsForums, I thought I'd make a post asking for some advice/insight from those who have already gone though the process of finishing a degree and gained valuable life experience. I have a few questions which I'll post at the latter...
  11. W

    Non-Academic career for Molecular Biology PhD?

    Hello everyone, I will be entering my third year of university majoring in applied math and biology. I am currently looking for graduate school opportunities. My interest leans slightly towards the biology side but I am terribly worried about not getting a decent job after graduation if I do...
  12. S

    Schools What courses needed for molecular biology grad school?

    Hi, I'm an applied math major who wants to go to grad school for molecular biology. In my plan, I have included: Intro to cell biology & lab Intro to genetics Intro to microbiology molecular biology & lab advanced cell biology bioinformatics biological sequence analysis intro to...
  13. Greg Bernhardt

    Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts

    Author: Bruce Alberts Title: Molecular Biology of the Cell Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0815341059/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  14. M

    Biology B.s. Molecular Biology switch to education

    Hi everyone, Right now I'm pursuing a BS in molecular biology and I decided I'd like to switch to a Bs Ed. in biology and teach high school biology. I'm 49 credits in so far just looking for some advice, part of me wants to finish the Bs degree and then get certified K-12 at the graduate...
  15. M

    Where can a B.S. in Molecular biology lead?

    So, I really like my biology classes. It's cool to learn things about biological systems that I can apply towards ideas of medicine. Biology encapsulates so many finds. I really like the courses but I also want a secure income down the road that will lead to an interesting career(Why I passed...
  16. C

    Exploring "Spin" in Molecular Biology and Physics

    So my main area of research is molecular biology and biochemistry, but nuclear and particle physics frequently manages to find its way in it and it's always baffling to me. I've been participating in research on bacterial Cytochrome P450 enzymes; they catalyze the oxidation of organic...
  17. C

    What's a good field to combine with molecular biology and biochemistry?

    So I'm about to graduate with a degree in molecular biology and biochemistry. I don't want to do grad school right away; I want to try to get some private sector experience first. I'm open studying pharmacology, toxicology and such, but I'm really more interested in industrial and...
  18. A

    Is it wise to take Molecular Biology without taking Genetics?

    I'm not too sure if this is the correct subforum to post this question in. Anyways I have taken Biochemistry only. I signed up to take molecular biology and I'm wondering if that is a bad idea with no previous coursework taken in genetics (the only biology college course I have taken is...
  19. M

    Do Biology Classes have to much emphisis on Molecular Biology

    I have worked in the field of wildlife biology for years and have recently switched professions to teaching. One of my biggest concerns with the current biology curriculum is that it seems way too obsessed with it's molecular aspects. I think this over-focus can be extremely harmful to the...
  20. S

    Programs Pursuing PhD in Molecular Biology & Microbial Genetics

    Iam really interested in molecular biology and microbial genetics, did masters in microbiology and want to get into doctoral program and do serious research in my interesting field. Is it not the good reason to get into phd.
  21. C

    Chemistry Molecular Biology (Molecular Chaperone Proteins)

    The study of viral particles has revealed significant information regarding protein folding. Many proteins hae been shown to often spontaneously fold into their functional structures and give an active viral particle. Yet some are incapable of proper folding on their own. It was shown in 1973...
  22. N

    A Beginner's Guide to Cell and Molecular Biology

    science book :) hi ,i am high school student it's my final year and i am interested in science . i am wondering about a book that i want to buy "cell and molecular biology by gerald karp" is it usefull for me .
  23. D

    Programs Can a molecular biology major do NMR?

    I am a junior molecular biology major. I plan to go into graduate school and currently my #1 topic of interest is using solid state NMR to determine molecular structure. I am doing research on the unrelated topic of bacteriophage genomics but do not want to change labs because I am well...
  24. K

    Physics Molecular biology or particle physics

    What do you guys think would be more fun particle physics or molecular biology? I love science and math and i love the idea of working on the most fundamental things of the universe, but i could do more practical things in molecular biology, so I am asking you guys what do you think?
  25. T

    Chemistry Honors molecular biology homework help please

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  26. B

    Programs Molecular Biology or Biotechnology? [Undergraduate Degree]

    Hi everyone, I came back to get some feedback from everyone. I am close to the time when my university requires that I choose a certain Subject POST or degree as some know it for my future three years in undergrad. Now I always loved Molecular Biology/Biotechnology since they are very much the...
  27. D

    Advanced Molecular Biology - HELP NEEDED

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  28. C

    Chemistry Diagnosing Viral Infections: Exploring Molecular Biology Techniques

    hi i'm a pharmacy student and need ur help please i have an assignment with the title(diagnosis of viral infections using molecular biology techniques) can u please give me useful websites on the subject thanks a heap :smile:
  29. G

    Junior at molecular biology and genetics

    I am a junior at molecular biology and genetics and I plan to apply for grad school next year. So I need to take GRE general and subject tests, plus TOEFL. My main concern is about GRE: when should I start preparing for it? I would really appreciate advices also on how to study. Thanks! Gamze
  30. J

    Can I get into a molecular biology graduate program without a biology bachelors

    I'm doing my bachelors of science in chemistry, but I may want to do graduate work in molecular biology instead of chemistry. Would a BS in chemistry and maybe 15-20 hours of undergrad biology be good enough to qualify me for graduate programs in biology? I will have a biology minor when I...
  31. N

    Understanding Myasthenia Gravis: The Impact on Muscle Function

    In the disease myathenia gravis, the body makes, by mistake, antibodies to its own actylcholine receptors molecules. These antibodies bind to and inactivate acetylcholine receptors on the plasma membrane of muscle cells. The disease leads to a progressive weakening of the patients motor...
  32. S

    Molecular Biology Q&A: Ask Questions Here

    can we post molecular biology questions here? (just to have something to type since i can't delete this post...BTW how can we delete our own posts?)
  33. Another God

    Can you tickle yourself? Post your questions about Molecular Biology here!

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  34. Another God

    MBTS : Molecular Biology Technical Series

    I have been considering starting a series of threads (don't worry, there won't be too many of them) all relating to some Technical aspects of Molecular Biology. I have thought of doing this for 2 reasons. Firstly, some people might be interested in learning about various topics in molecular...
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