title: Teaching molecular genetics: Chapter 1--Background principles and methods of molecular biology.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. n.knoers@antrg.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Nine V A M
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Knoers
authors.forename: Leo A H
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Monnens
mesh_terms: D055614:Genetic Phenomena / Q000235:genetics*; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods*