Molecular genetics

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Molecular genetics is the field of biology that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. The field studies how the genes are transferred from generation to generation. Molecular genetics employs the methods of genetics and molecular biology. It is so-called to differentiate it from other sub fields of genetics such as ecological genetics and population genetics. An important area within molecular genetics is the use of molecular information to determine the patterns of descent, and therefore the correct scientific classification of organisms: this is called molecular systematics.

Along with determining the pattern of descendants, molecular genetics helps in understanding genetic mutations that can cause certain types of diseases. Through utilizing the methods of genetics and molecular biology, molecular genetics discovers the reasons why traits are carried on and how and why some may mutate.

For more information about Molecular genetics, read the full article at Wikipedia.
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News tagged with molecular genetics


Researchers identify role of gene in tumor development, growth and progression

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Nov 20, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine researchers have identified a gene that may play a pivotal role in two processes that are essential for tumor development, growth ...


Researchers find a weak link in cancer cell armor

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Nov 11, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Professor Robert Weiss has found that when two particular genes are inhibited, cancer cells are destroyed at a greater rate. The study is published in the Nov. 9 issue of PNAS.





Search results for molecular genetics


Developmental delay could stem from nicotinic receptor deletion

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Nov 08, 2009 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0

The loss of a gene through deletion of genetic material on chromosome 15 is associated with significant abnormalities in learning and behavior, said a consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine in a report ...


First 'genetic map' of Han Chinese may aid search for disease susceptibility genes

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Nov 25, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

The first genetic historical map of the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic population in the world, as they migrated from south to north over evolutionary time. was published online today by the American Journal of Human Ge ...


Research study on the European mink, Mustela lutreola

Biology / Ecology

created Nov 02, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

The European mink, Mustela lutreola, is a species catalogued as in danger of extinction, due to the large decline in their population over the past century. It is considered to be one of the most endangered mammals, both l ...


Scientists unlock clues for tailoring corn plant for food, energy needs

Biology / Biotechnology

created Nov 19, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists have long known that the offspring of two inbred strains tend to be superior to both their parents. Now, a team of researchers including a University of Florida geneticist has discovered clues ...


Importance of different cell types underestimated

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Nov 04, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Choosing the right cell type is particularly important in genetic studies. This is apparent from research published on 16 October in PLoS Genetics. Dutch researcher Alice Gerrits has shown how variations in the genome can in ...


Researchers find potential treatment for Huntington's disease (w/ Video)

Medicine & Health / Research

created Nov 15, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research, the University of British Columbia's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the University of California, San Diego have found that normal synaptic activity ...


Why can't chimps speak? Study links evolution of single gene to human capacity for language

Why can't chimps speak? Study links evolution of single gene to human capacity for language

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Nov 11, 2009 | popularity 3.9 / 5 (15) | comments 3

(PhysOrg.com) -- If humans are genetically related to chimps, why did our brains develop the innate ability for language and speech while theirs did not?


Possible origins of pancreatic cancer revealed

Possible origins of pancreatic cancer revealed

Medicine & Health / Cancer

created Nov 02, 2009 | popularity 3 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- MIT cancer biologists have identified a subpopulation of cells that can give rise to pancreatic cancer. They also found that tumors can form in other, more mature pancreatic cell types, but ...


Geneticists hunt for scleroderma triggers

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created Oct 29, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

At its most benign, the autoimmune disease scleroderma can discolor parts of the skin of its sufferers. At its most pernicious, it can thicken and harden their skin, their blood vessels, and their internal organs before, ...


Ancient penguin DNA raises doubts about accuracy of genetic dating techniques

Ancient penguin DNA raises doubts about accuracy of genetic dating techniques

Biology / Evolution

created Nov 10, 2009 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (23) | comments 15

Penguins that died 44,000 years ago in Antarctica have provided extraordinary frozen DNA samples that challenge the accuracy of traditional genetic aging measurements, and suggest those approaches have been ...



List of search results for molecular genetics