Molecular Biologist | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Molecular biology is a branch of biology that has been growing in importance since the 1940s. It developed out of the sciences of genetics and biochemistry. Genetics is the study of heredity, the process by which certain characteristics of an organism are handed down from parent to offspring. Biochemistry is the study of chemical compounds and processes in organisms. Molecular biologists seek to explain biological events by studying the molecules within cells. They are especially interested in the molecular basis of genetics and inheritance and the production of proteins. Proteins are large, complex molecules that are an essential part of all living cells.

Most molecular biologists are involved in research and development. Some conduct basic research to expand knowledge without the direct aim of benefiting humans. Others may conduct applied research, which is used to benefit humans directly. Applied research generally focuses on issues important to the health, agricultural, and environmental sciences.

At the turn of the twenty-first century, some molecular biologists are involved in a very important study, the Human Genome Project. This international research program aims to identify all of the approximately 30,000 genes of humans. Molecular biologists are also involved in related investigations of the genetic makeup of several nonhuman organisms. These include Escherichia coli (a microscopic organism found in the human gut), the fruit fly, and the laboratory mouse.

Many molecular biologists are employed by county, state, and federal agencies. Also, they may be employed by private industries such as a pharmaceutical corporation, an animal vaccine supply company, or a laboratory doing tests for doctors and health departments. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, emerging job opportunities for molecular biologists include environmental and pollution control companies and the biotechnology industry. The biotechnology industry uses molecular biology research to improve agricultural crops, develop new tests for disease screening, and develop new drugs. Also, some molecular biologists work at universities and colleges. They teach classes, train students in how to perform research, andconduct their own research in their particular area of interest. An important part of the research is writing up the results for publication. Publication of research allows new information to be shared with the scientific community. Also, publication is important in obtaining grant funding for future research projects.

At the high school level, persons interested in becoming a molecular biologist should study math, chemistry, physics, biology, English, writing, and computer studies. Although there are career opportunities for molecular biologists with bachelor's degrees, most professionals have either a master's or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. College-level course work generally includes biology (microbiology, genetics, ecology, and so on), chemistry, physics, and computer science.

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Morange, Michel. A History of Molecular Biology. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1998.

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Experiences in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Emporia State University. <http://www.emporia.edu/biosci/e xmolcel.htm>.

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