Molecular biology - Bigyan Charcha

Is molecular biology required for med school?

A med student at the molecular biology lab

Molecular biology is not typically a requirement for admission to medical school. However, knowledge of molecular biology can be useful for medical students, as it can provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and the action of drugs at the molecular level. Medical school curriculum typically focuses on the clinical aspects of medicine, such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, rather than on the molecular basis of diseases. However, some medical schools may require or recommend courses in molecular biology or other related fields, such as biochemistry, as part of their curriculum.

Molecular biology is a broad field that studies the structure, function, and behavior of molecules within living organisms. It encompasses many different sub-disciplines, including molecular genetics, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. Molecular biologists use a variety of techniques, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), next-generation sequencing, and protein purification, to study the molecular basis of diseases and develop new treatments.

In medicine, molecular biology has many applications. For example, it can be used to identify genetic mutations that are associated with specific diseases, such as cancer or cystic fibrosis. It can also be used to develop diagnostic tests that can identify the presence of specific diseases or conditions at an early stage, when they are more treatable. Additionally, molecular biology can be used to develop new drugs or medical treatments that target specific molecules or pathways within the body.

While knowledge of molecular biology is not required for admission to medical school, it can be useful for medical students interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases and the action of drugs. Some medical schools may require or recommend courses in molecular biology as part of their curriculum, so it may be worth considering taking courses in this field if you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

What Is The Difference Between Molecular Biology And Molecular Genetics

Molecular biology and molecular genetics are closely related fields of study that focus on the structure, function, and behavior of molecules within living organisms. Molecular biology is a broad field that encompasses many different sub-disciplines, including molecular genetics. Molecular genetics is a sub-discipline of molecular biology that focuses specifically on the role of genes and how they are expressed and inherited within living organisms. In other words, molecular genetics is a more specialized field within molecular biology that focuses on the genetic makeup of cells and how genes are passed down from one generation to the next.

What are common molecular biology techniques

Sanger sequencing

Molecular biology deals with the structure and function of macromolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, which are essential to life. Molecular biology techniques are a set of tools and methods used by scientists to study and manipulate the structure and function of these macromolecules. Some common molecular biology techniques including:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is a technique used to amplify a specific DNA sequence in order to make large amounts of a particular DNA fragment for further analysis. This is done by using special enzymes called polymerases to synthesize new strands of DNA complementary to the target sequence.
Gel electrophoresis: This is a technique used to separate DNA or protein molecules based on their size and charge. A sample of DNA or protein is placed in a gel matrix, and an electric current is applied to the gel. The molecules migrate through the gel, and the smaller molecules move faster than, the larger ones, allowing them to be separated into distinct bands.
DNA sequencing: This is a technique used to determine the order of the nucleotides in a DNA molecule. This is done by using special enzymes to break the DNA molecule into smaller fragments and then using dideoxynucleotides, which are nucleotides that can terminate DNA synthesis, to create a series of DNA fragments of known length. These fragments are then separated by gel electrophoresis, and the order of the nucleotides is determined by comparing the sequences of the fragments.
Western blotting: This is a technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample. The sample is first separated by gel electrophoresis, and then the proteins are transferred from the gel to a membrane. The membrane is then incubated with antibodies that specifically bind to the target protein, and the presence of the protein is detected using a special detection method.
Cloning: This is a technique used to create multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence. This is done by inserting the DNA sequence into a vector, such as a plasmid, which is then introduced into a host cell, such as a bacterial cell. The host cell replicates the vector and the inserted DNA sequence, producing multiple copies of the DNA.

These are just a few examples of the many molecular biology techniques that are used in research. These techniques have greatly advanced our understanding of the structure and function of macromolecules and have contributed to many important discoveries and advances in the fields of biology and medicine.

What is Molecular Biology

Hershey and Chase experiment. Picture source: Wikimedia

Molecular biology is the branch of biology that studies the structure and function of biological molecules. These molecules include nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA), proteins, and carbohydrates. Molecular biologists use a variety of techniques to study the structure and function of these molecules, including biochemistry, biophysics, and genetics.

One of the main goals of molecular biology is to understand how the information encoded in DNA is used to produce proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of cells and play a variety of roles in the body, including catalyzing chemical reactions, transporting molecules, and providing structural support.

To study the relationship between DNA and proteins, molecular biologists use a variety of techniques. For example, they may use gel electrophoresis to separate DNA or protein molecules based on their size and charge. They may also use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to amplify small amounts of DNA for analysis.

Molecular biologists also use a variety of techniques to study the structure and function of proteins. For example, they may use X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of a protein. They may also use enzymatic assays to study the function of a protein, or use mutagenesis to study the effects of changes to a protein’s structure on its function.

In addition to studying the structure and function of biological molecules, molecular biologists also use their knowledge of these molecules to develop new technologies and treatments for diseases. For example, they may use PCR to diagnose diseases, or use genetic engineering to produce new drugs or other therapeutic molecules.

There is no doubt that molecular biology is a vibrant and exciting field that is at the forefront of biological research. Its findings have important implications for many areas of biology, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

How does qPCR work?

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a molecular biology technique that is used to amplify and measure the amount of a specific DNA or RNA sequence in a sample. It is a highly sensitive and specific method that can be used to detect and quantify the amount of a specific sequence in a sample, even when it is present at very low levels.

Picture source: Wikimedia

qPCR is based on the same principles as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), but it includes additional steps that allow for the quantitative measurement of the amplified DNA or RNA. In qPCR, a sample of DNA or RNA is first amplified using PCR. During the amplification process, specific fluorescent dyes or probes are added to the reaction mixture, which bind to the amplified DNA or RNA. As the amplification proceeds, the amount of fluorescent signal produced increases in proportion to the amount of amplified DNA or RNA.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction - Wikipedia

After the amplification is complete, the qPCR machine measures the amount of fluorescence produced during the reaction. This allows the researcher to determine the amount of the specific DNA or RNA sequence present in the sample. Because the amount of fluorescence produced is directly proportional to the amount of amplified DNA or RNA, qPCR can be used to accurately measure the amount of a specific sequence in a sample, even when it is present at very low levels.

qPCR is an important molecular biology technique that allows researchers to quickly and accurately measure the amount of a specific DNA or RNA sequence in a sample, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of diseases and other biological processes.

Job prospect of molecular biology

Picture source: Wikimedia

Molecular biologists can work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and private companies. In academic institutions, molecular biologists may work as professors, researchers, or instructors. In these settings, they may conduct research, teach classes, and mentor students. Molecular biologists in academic institutions may also have the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers from different fields, such as chemistry, biology, and computer science, to tackle complex research problems.

In hospitals, molecular biologists may work as diagnostic laboratory technicians or research scientists. In these settings, they may use molecular techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. For example, they may use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to amplify and analyze DNA samples, or they may use next-generation sequencing to identify genetic mutations that are associated with specific diseases.

NIH campus. Picture source: Wikimedia

In government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), molecular biologists may work as research scientists or regulators. In these settings, they may conduct research to better understand the molecular basis of diseases and develop new treatments. They may also be involved in the regulation of laboratory practices, such as the handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or the use of hazardous chemicals.

Picture source: Wikimedia

In private companies, molecular biologists may work as research and development scientists or quality control technicians. In these settings, they may be involved in the development of new drugs or medical treatments. They may also be responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of the products produced by the company. Molecular biologists may also work in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, where they may be involved in the development of new drugs or medical treatments.

Overall, molecular biologists have a wide range of career options available to them, and they can work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and private companies. Their expertise in molecular biology is valuable in many different fields, and they can contribute to important research and developments in the field of medicine and healthcare.