What is Molecular Biology

By: Joey Manny
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:59
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Molecular biology is the science of study of biology at the molecular level. William Astbury in Nature described molecular biology 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" (W.T. Astbury, Nature 190, 1124. 1961)

Molecular biology has allowed us to uncover the mysteries of the human body, viruses, bacteria and all other life. As such, it has allowed the progress of medicine to advance to such a degree so that we may begin to cure the previously incurable, and to eventually find cures for every disease that afflicts human kind.

Molecular biology depends not only on biology but also chemistry, genetics, and biochemistry. The understanding of the interactions between DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids is vital in understanding how cells work and how diseases affect these interactions. Researchers and scientists are slowly piecing together these interactions and how each biological molecule functions. By understanding this, scientists can then examine disease conditions, and see if the function of any of the molecules has changed. If a molecule or interaction is affected by disease, scientists can then create therapies which target these alterations and repair them.

In conclusion, molecular biology is a vital field in our advancement of medicine and technology. By understanding how biological molecules interact and function, we will be able to not only gain an appreciation of the workings inside the cell, but also it will allow us detect and to fix any problems that arise during disease states.

Joe Mann is a contributor for Molecular Biology Protocols at Molecular Station. www.molecularstation.com

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