Molecular biology

Molecular biology dealing with the structure biosynthesis and function of DNA and RNA, on the molecular level, and how they interact with each other and with proteins. The research field of molecular biology overlaps always with wider fields of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry. The boundaries between these disciplines are often blurred. The name for this subject was coined in 1952 by the English physicist and molecular biologist William Astbury.

Fields of work

Important topics include the study of gene expression and gene regulation at all levels ( epigenetics, transcription, translation ) and the study of the function of the proteins in the cell. In particular, the interaction between DNA and proteins in the cell are a primary focus. This is the basic understanding of the processes to be improved in a cell.

The data obtained can be used in a variety of other fields in turn. For example, it is possible by means of molecular biological data to understand diseases and to enhance the effect of drugs. The elucidation of the genetic information by sequencing of DNA and RNA allows for significant insights into the evolution of living beings. In many cases the basis of morphological and developed on the basis of fossils pedigrees of the system of living things be confirmed by sequence data or disproved. Through genetic engineering, it is finally possible to alter the genetic makeup of organisms. Thus, hormones, and other endogenous substances in human, for example, in bacteria or animals but also other new drugs are produced (Biotechnology). Gene therapy is concerned with correction of pathogenic genetic defects and removed via special methods correct gene sequences (vectors) with the replacement of the defective portions into DNA. In the field of plant breeding, genetic engineering can be used to inject genes for disease resistance or defense mechanisms against predators or competing plants, so that the corresponding substances are formed by the crops themselves.

Molecular biological research institutes in the German-speaking area that deal with this are, among others, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, various Max Planck Institutes and the German Cancer Research Center.

Techniques

Molecular biological methods are used in modern biological and medical research, but have now also found its way in the field of criminology, and many other aspects of daily life. Molecular biology while using a variety of biochemical, microbiological, genetic and genetic engineering techniques and combines their results in order to obtain a larger context. The range of techniques is also fluent and extends from in vitro technique to in vivo investigation, such as PCR, cloning, mutagenesis, recombinant expression, yeast two -hybrid system, cell culture, etc.