Understanding Key elements of Molecular Biology

To understand Line Probe Assay (LPA), we need to understand key elements of Molecular Biology.

Molecular Biology is the study of living systems at the molecular level, especially DNA, RNA and proteins.

Cell

The cell is the fundamental unit of life and is the building block of all organisms. It has three main components:

• Cell membrane
• Nucleus
• Cytoplasm

Types of Cells

Cells are of two types- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic and are distinguished by the size and types of internal organelles they contain.

• Prokaryotes are single cell organisms e.g., bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Eukaryotes are either single celled or multicellular with membrane-bound organelles. All animals, plants, fungi and protists are eukaryotic cells.

DNA

• The DNA molecule is a nucleic acid containing genetic information and is made of two nucleotide strands bonded together. ​
• In prokaryotes, the DNA is present in the cytoplasm and in eukaryotes, it is present in the nucleus.​
• The functional unit of the DNA is known as a gene.

RNA 

• RNA is formed by the transcription of a DNA molecule​
• RNA is also a nucleic acid but has a different nucleotide composition
• RNA translates to further form proteins, which are large molecules formed by one or more chains of amino acids ​

Resources

• GLI Training package on LPA 2012​

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