Abstract
In this first chapter of the series “Teaching molecular genetics,” an introduction to molecular genetics is presented. We describe the structure of DNA and genes and explain in detail the central dogma of molecular biology, that is, the flow of genetic information from DNA via RNA to polypeptide (protein). In addition, several basic and frequently used general molecular tools, such as restriction enzymes, Southern blotting, DNA amplification and sequencing are discussed, in order to lay the foundations for the forthcoming chapters.
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Further reading
Mueller RF, Young ID (eds) (2001) Emery’s elements of medical genetics, 11th edn. Harcourt, London
Passarge E (2001) Color atlas of genetics, 2nd edn. Thieme, Stuttgart
Strachan T, Read A (eds) (2004) Human molecular genetics, 3rd edn. Garland, London
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We are grateful to Dr. L.P.W.J. van den Heuvel for critical reading of the manuscript
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Knoers, N.V.A.M., Monnens, L.A.H. Teaching molecular genetics: Chapter 1—Background principles and methods of molecular biology. Pediatr Nephrol 21, 169–176 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-005-2154-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-005-2154-8