Emergence of Molecular Biology Molecular Biology refers to that specific branch of biology dealing with analysis of the struc-

1.2.10. Emergence of Molecular Biology Molecular Biology refers to that specific branch of biology dealing with analysis of the struc-

ture and development of biological systems vis-a-vis the chemistry and physics of their molecular

constituents. Now, with the advent of latest laboratory methodologies and modern experimental tech- niques the prevailing skill, wisdom, and knowledge pertaining to the characteristic features of microor- ganisms accumulated with a tremendous momentum and speed. Based upon the intensive and extensive information(s) with respect to the in-depth biochemical activities of various microorganisms virtually became an ‘open-secret’.

Importantly, a careful and critical examination of the copious volume of accumulated data evi- dently revealed and suggested that there existed quite a lot of similarities amongst the different micro- organisms, whereas the points of dissimilarities revolved essentially around the variations on a major central biochemical pathway. Interestingly, at that point in time there prevailed a distinct world-wide emergent growing recognition between the ensuing unity of the biochemical life processes in micro- organisms and the higher forms of life (including the humans). As a result, it more or less turned out to

be definitely much beneficial and advantageous to employ the microorganisms as a befitting tool for

PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY

deciphering and exploring the basic life phenomena. In order to accomplish the aforesaid aims and objectives the microorganisms do offer invariably a plethora of advantages for this type of research activities, namely :

they reproduce (i.e., cultivate) extremely fast, they may be cultured (grown) either in small or large quantum easily, conveniently, and

quickly, their growth may be manipulated and monitored in a not-so-difficult manner by means of

chemical and physical methods, and their cells may be cleaved and torn apart, and the contents segregated into different fractions

of varying particle sizes. Conclusively, the above cited characteristic features together with certain other vital factors help

to render the ‘microorganisms’ an extremely vulnerable and a very convenient research-role-model in pin-pointing and establishing precisely the modus operandi of various life processes that essentially occur with respect to certain particular chemical reactions, besides the specific structural features involved intimately.

In the light of the above statement of facts showing the enormous strengths of microorganisms in the revelation of the intricacies of life processes various scientists and researchers of all disciplines viz., physicists, chemists, geneticists, biologists, and microbiologists not only joined their hands together but also put their intellectual resources and wisdom in a concerted manner to evolve an altogether new discipline christened as molecular biology. According to Professor Luria* molecular biology may be defined as — ‘the programme of interpreting the specific structures and functions of organisms in terms of molecular structure ’.

The outcome of the results obtained from the brilliant studies accomplished in the field of mo- lecular biology are numerous, such as :

Elucidation of enzyme structure and mode of action, Cellular regulatory mechanisms, Energy metabolism mechanisms, Protein synthesis, Structure of viruses, Functionality of membranes, and Structure and function of nucleic acids.

Significance of Discoveries : The major significance of discoveries with regard to molecular

biology may be ascertained by virtue of the following breakthroughs : Fundamental information(s) regarding DNA and genetic processes at the molecular level via

bacteria and bacteriophages**, and Many Nobel Prizes bagged due to researches carried out in molecular biology related to

various arms of biology. * Professor Salvador E Luria — at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a Professor of Biology

was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1969 for his splendid research in the field of molecular biology. ** Viruses that infect bacteria.

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE