How Scientists Study Molecular Biology
Tools of Molecular Biology
Why Methods Matter
Molecular biology uses tools to identify, measure, copy, separate, and read biological molecules. These methods make invisible processes easier to study.
Common Techniques
Scientists use microscopy to see cells, gel electrophoresis to separate DNA or proteins, PCR to copy DNA, and sequencing to determine the order of nucleotides.
Basic Idea of PCR
Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is a method for making many copies of a specific DNA region. This is useful when only a tiny amount of DNA is available.
Technique Glossary
What is PCR mainly used for?
PCR amplifies a target DNA sequence.
Correct answer: Copying DNA
What does gel electrophoresis help scientists do?
Molecules move through a gel differently depending on their size.
Correct answer: Separate molecules, often DNA or proteins, by size.
Which method determines the order of nucleotides?
Sequencing reveals the exact order of bases in a nucleic acid.
Correct answer: Sequencing