Essays on Molecular Biology

Abstract

In the last century, the knowledge of molecular biology has increased, opening new opportunities for addressing different diseases that have been affecting all populations. Before, genome and proteomic studies were seen as complicated field due to inability to get significance understanding of disease components at the molecular level. However, with the expansion of molecular biology, different techniques and tools have been developed to aid diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this study, these tools have been investigated to understand how the knowledge on molecular diagnosis helps in detection and treatment of diseases. This study focused on the application of ...

One of the recurring points of contention in the field of biology is the mode of hereditary acquisition of characteristics of an individual. Some maintain that it is primarily due to genetics, while others assert that the environment plays a major role in developing a person’s characteristics. This debate is also known in some circles as the ‘nature vs nurture’ debate, and given the scientific merits of each side, it can be said that each point of view can be considered probable in determining the quality of an individual. As it turns out, recent research suggests that both, ...

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Introduction

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a very influential technique that helps in amplifying the specific segments of DNA. This biochemical procedure is performed in-vitro that is quite different from cloning. This technique is a fusion of synthesis protocol of distinct repeated segments of DNA and thermostable DNA polymerase application that has given scientists a very potent analytical, immunological and molecular technique used prevalently in clinical laboratory science (Garibyan & Avashia, 2013). PCR is based on three primary steps that include denaturation of the template into single strands, annealing ...

Introduction

Research in lung cancer treatment can save lives and improve a patient’s quality of life. There are three main types of lung cancer: Non-small cell, small cell, and lung carcinoid cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma make up about 85% of all lung cancers (Molina, Yang, Cassivi, Schild, & Adjei, 2008). Both environmental and genetic factors are significant in the cause of lung cancer. Chronic exposure to carcinogens, ionizing radiation, and viral infections can lead to alterations of the DNA in tissue lining the bronchial epithelium of the lungs. Furthermore, ...

strains?” Researches on viruses have been carried out since time immemorial. Several vaccines, therapeutics, and targeted drug delivery systems have been developed only through extensive research on virulent strains. However, genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques have enabled scientists to manipulate, and develop new recombinant strains that may not occur in nature spontaneously. Proper containment of these engineered strains is essential as they might have properties that are entirely different from their parent strains. In September 2011 a researcher from Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam revealed how he had engineered avian influenza strain H5N1, and made it “more receptive to ...