Molecular diagnostics involves measuring DNA, RNA, proteins, or metabolites to detect genotypes, mutations, or biochemical changes associated with health or disease. PCR and cytogenetic analysis are common techniques used for infectious diseases, oncology, hereditary conditions, and prenatal testing. Personalized medicine is the future of molecular diagnostics. Molecular diagnostics can be broadly defined as the measurement […]
Molecular Graphics (MG) is the study of molecules through visualizing their components and 3D representations. It is advantageous over physical models and is used in protein and nucleic acid studies, pharmaceutical design, and has specialized software for drug design. The term graphics refers to drawings or images that are created following mathematical rules. Molecular refers […]
The molecular weight of a peptide is derived from the ratio of its average mass to one twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom. It is important in peptide synthesis and can be calculated using software. Amino acids are the building blocks of peptides, and their molecular weights range from 57.05 to 156.19. Accurate molecular […]
The molecular formula describes a substance’s composition and bond structure, but some materials cannot be accurately represented. Atoms bond to form molecules, and the molecular formula represents the elemental composition. Empirical formulas are the smallest repeating unit of a molecule. Molecular formulas are used to calculate molecular weights, but they are not a direct measure […]
Molecular genetics studies genes, DNA, and RNA to understand inherited traits and cell function. It also examines genetic mutations, cancer genetics, gene therapy, and genetic engineering. Molecular geneticists work in labs and may have specialized degrees or be doctors. Molecular genetics is a sub-discipline of genetics, a field within the biological sciences. Genes are units […]
Molecular dynamics studies particle motion using mathematical formulas programmed into computers for virtual experiments. These simulations accurately predict the behavior of real molecules and can observe motion over time and under extreme conditions. Equations based on Newton’s laws track molecular bonds and can be applied to small particles, with occasional use of quantum particle laws. […]
Molecular phylogenetics uses genetic information to determine the evolutionary history and relationships between organisms. By comparing genetic material, researchers can construct a phylogenetic tree and estimate when species diverged from their common ancestor. This discipline cannot explain why evolution occurs, but it helps to understand the history of life on Earth. Molecular phylogenetics is the […]
Molecular pathology studies diseases at a molecular level and can be used in biomedical research and patient care. It involves testing cell tissue samples and examining the building blocks of cells. It is commonly used in cancer treatment to develop personalized approaches. Specialists may be trained as physicians or with a PhD and work in […]
Molecular geometry is determined by the number of bonded atoms and lone pairs surrounding a central atom. The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory predicts that electrons will position themselves as far apart as possible. The shape of simple molecules can be precisely determined, while complex organic molecules require other methods such as X-ray crystallography. […]
Molecular biochemistry studies the chemical processes of living organisms at the molecular level, focusing on proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. It investigates the structure and function of polymers and monomers, cellular metabolism, and viruses. The field began in the early 1800s with the discovery of urea synthesis and amylase. Today, it is crucial in […]
Molecular ecology uses genetics to study how ecological factors influence the development and genetic relationships between species. Field research is emphasized due to the focus on environmental factors and the difficulty of studying microorganisms in the lab. Population genetics and molecular phylogenetics are major components, used to study the distribution and evolution of genetic code […]
Molecular biotechnology involves altering genetic materials and transferring them between cells in a lab. It has applications in health, agriculture, production, and the environment. The human genome has improved biotechnology, allowing for more effective drugs and vaccines. Biotechnology can also be used to create disease-resistant crops and livestock with desirable characteristics. It has potential for […]
Molecular pharmacology studies the molecular basis of pharmaceuticals and natural compounds used in disease treatment, aiming to develop pharmacologically active agents. It is important for understanding drug effectiveness, developing new drugs, and targeting tumors. Molecular pharmacologists require graduate degrees and study topics such as biology, anatomy, and molecular chemistry. Molecular pharmacology is a branch of […]
Molecular markers are DNA sequences used by researchers to track specific genes or DNA sequences in an organism. They can occur naturally or be developed by researchers and are used for academic or therapeutic purposes. They must be easy to identify and polymorphic to be useful. They help determine the relationship between physical traits and […]
Molecular weight is the mass of a single molecule of a substance, important for understanding fluid density, volume, and displacement. It can be calculated by adding up the total weight of each component or using methods like mass spectrometry, fluid displacement, and light refraction. Isotopes and molar mass can also affect the calculation. Molecular weight […]
Molecular weight markers are used in gel electrophoresis to estimate the size of DNA, RNA, or proteins. Protein markers are groups of known molecular weight, loaded and separated during the run. DNA markers consist of the bacterial lambda virus and produce reproducible fragments of different sizes. Molecular weight markers are used in genetic engineering, PCR, […]
Molecular manufacturing involves using nanoscale “assemblers” to build products atom by atom. A molecular assembler would be capable of placing individual atoms with precision, and a nanofactory could use purified feedstock to create products. For the technology to be useful, assemblers must be able to make copies of themselves. Molecular manufacturing has the potential to […]
