molekulárngenetické

Molekulárgénetiké the branch of genetics concerned with the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. The field studies DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, and how genetic information is transmitted, expressed, and altered in living organisms. Key concepts include gene regulation, transcription, translation, and epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation.

The history of molecular genetics began in the 20th century with the discovery of the DNA double helix by Watson and Crick. Subsequent breakthroughs, such as Chargaff’s base‑pairing rules, the development of restriction enzymes, and the pioneering experiments that demonstrated the transfer of genetic material between organisms, laid the foundation for the field.

Modern techniques central to molecular genetics encompass polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplifying DNA, gel electrophoresis for separating nucleic acids, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for locating specific DNA sequences in chromosomes, and next‑generation sequencing (NGS) for rapid, comprehensive analysis of genomes. Gene editing tools like CRISPR‑Cas9 allow precise modification of specific DNA sequences, opening avenues for functional genomics and therapeutic development.

Molecular genetics is instrumental in medical diagnostics, providing methods for identifying genetic diseases and personalized medicine. Its applications extend to agriculture, where gene editing enhances crop resistance and yield, to evolutionary biology, where comparative genomics traces lineage divergence, and to biotechnology, where engineered genes produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and industrial enzymes. The discipline continues to evolve, integrating computational biology, bioinformatics, and systems genetics to deepen understanding of life’s molecular blueprint.