Molecular biology for the nuclear cardiologist: Terminology, concepts, and processes

The four decades since the elucidation of the structure of DNA have witnessed an unprecedented explosion in our understanding of disease and in our capability to manipulate biological processes to achieve mind staggering results. These changes have placed new burdens on practicing physicians by requiring knowledge and assimilation of new technologies that are changing the basis of medical practice. The following article, in very simple language, seeks to bring an understanding of this science to people who have not been exposed to molecular biology. We will divide our discussion into two parts: the first part includes terminology, concepts, and processes, and the second deals with tools and techniques. Chromosomes are distinctive nuclear structures in which high amounts of DNA are packaged in the form of chromatin. The DNA undergoes replication for the passage of all genetic information from generation to generation. On the other hand, for cells' own structural and functional integrity, genetic information is transcribed and translated into RNA and proteins, respectively (Table 1).