Molecular Biology

Molecular biology is the branch of biology that investigates biological processes at the molecular level, focusing on the structure, function, and interactions of the essential macromolecules that govern life, namely DNA, RNA, and proteins. It explores the fundamental mechanisms of how genetic information is stored in DNA, transcribed into RNA, and translated into proteins—a set of processes known as the central dogma. By examining these molecular interactions and their regulation, this field provides a mechanistic understanding of how cells function, grow, and respond to their environment, bridging the gap between genetics and biochemistry.

  1. Introduction to Molecular Biology
    1. Definition and Scope
      1. Core Concepts of Molecular Biology
        1. Major Areas of Study
          1. Relationship to Modern Biology
          2. Interdisciplinary Connections
            1. Genetics
              1. Heredity and Inheritance
                1. Gene Structure and Function
                  1. Population Genetics
                  2. Biochemistry
                    1. Chemical Basis of Biological Molecules
                      1. Enzyme Function and Catalysis
                        1. Metabolic Pathways
                        2. Cell Biology
                          1. Cell Structure and Organelles
                            1. Cellular Processes
                              1. Cell Signaling
                              2. Biophysics
                                1. Molecular Interactions
                                  1. Thermodynamics of Biological Systems
                                2. Historical Development
                                  1. Early Discoveries
                                    1. Discovery of DNA Structure
                                      1. Watson-Crick Model
                                        1. Contributions of Rosalind Franklin
                                          1. X-ray Crystallography Evidence
                                          2. Central Dogma Formulation
                                            1. Francis Crick's Hypothesis
                                              1. Information Flow Concept
                                                1. Impact on Molecular Biology
                                                2. Major Milestones
                                                  1. Discovery of Restriction Enzymes
                                                    1. Development of PCR
                                                      1. DNA Sequencing Methods
                                                        1. Recombinant DNA Technology
                                                        2. Modern Era
                                                          1. Human Genome Project
                                                            1. Genomics Revolution
                                                              1. Systems Biology Emergence