Definition

Noun: - The branch of biology that studies the structure and activity of macromolecules essential to life, especially concerning their genetic role and information. It focuses on biological processes at the molecular level, primarily involving nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA) and proteins.

Usage

• As a subject or field of study: "Molecular biology" is used to name the scientific discipline.
  • She decided to pursue a PhD in molecular biology.
  • Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized medicine.
• To describe research, techniques, or principles: It is used as a modifier to specify the nature of scientific work.
  • The molecular biology laboratory is equipped for DNA sequencing.
  • This journal publishes groundbreaking molecular biology research.

Advanced Usage

• "The central dogma of molecular biology": A fundamental framework describing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
  • The lecture explained how the central dogma of molecular biology governs gene expression.
• "Molecular biology techniques": Refers to specific laboratory methods like PCR, cloning, or gel electrophoresis.
  • The experiment required standard molecular biology techniques.

Variants and Related Words

• Molecular biologist (n): A scientist who specializes in molecular biology.
  • The molecular biologist discovered a new gene regulatory mechanism.
• Molecular (adj): Relating to molecules. (Note: This is a separate word, not a variant of "molecular biology").
  • They studied the molecular structure of the virus.

Synonyms

• Biochemistry: While closely related and overlapping, biochemistry focuses more on the chemical processes and substances in living organisms, whereas molecular biology emphasizes the molecular mechanisms of biological information flow.
• Genetics: A related field, but genetics is traditionally broader, studying heredity and variation in organisms, often using molecular biology as a tool.

Related Phrases

• "Tools of molecular biology": Common phrase referring to the methodologies and technologies used in the field.
  • CRISPR-Cas9 is one of the most powerful tools of molecular biology.
• "Molecular biology of the cell": A phrase often used in textbook titles to denote the study of cellular processes at the molecular level.
  • The classic textbook 'Molecular Biology of the Cell' is essential reading.

Noun

1. the branch of biology that studies the structure and activity of macromolecules essential to life (and especially with their genetic role)