molecular biology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-Mid (Specialist)Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “molecular biology” mean?
The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules (e.g., proteins and nucleic acids) essential to life.
The scientific study of the molecular basis of biological activity, focusing on cellular processes such as replication, transcription, translation, and cell function. It involves the understanding of how these processes are regulated and how they interact.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., 'labouratory' is archaic BrE, 'laboratory' is standard for both; 'analyse' BrE, 'analyze' AmE).
Connotations
Identical connotations as a precise scientific discipline. The field is globally standardized.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and research contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “molecular biology” in a Sentence
[study/understand/research] + molecular biology[PhD/MSc/BSc] + in molecular biology[breakthrough/development] + in molecular biology[apply/use] + molecular biology + [to/for]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “molecular biology” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She is a molecular biology researcher at Cambridge.
- They used standard molecular biology protocols.
American English
- He works in a molecular biology lab at Stanford.
- The molecular biology approach clarified the mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts like biotech startups, pharmaceutical R&D, and investment in life sciences.
Academic
The primary domain. Used in course titles, research papers, conference names, and department designations.
Everyday
Rare. Might be mentioned in news articles about medical breakthroughs or in discussions about university majors.
Technical
The core register. Used in lab protocols, scientific discussions, grant proposals, and technical manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “molecular biology”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “molecular biology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molecular biology”
- Mispronouncing 'molecular' as /moʊˈlɛkjʊlər/ instead of /məˈlɛkjələr/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a molecular biology'). It is uncountable.
- Confusing it with 'microbiology' (study of microorganisms).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Biochemistry focuses on the chemical processes and substances in living organisms, while molecular biology focuses more on the molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena, particularly genetics and nucleic acids.
Yes, a strong foundation in chemistry, especially organic chemistry, is essential for understanding molecular biology.
The Meselson-Stahl experiment, which demonstrated the semi-conservative replication of DNA, is a classic.
It is an uncountable noun. You study molecular biology, not 'a molecular biology'.
The branch of biology that deals with the structure and function of the macromolecules (e.
Molecular biology is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Molecular biology: in British English it is pronounced /məˌlɛkjʊlə baɪˈɒlədʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˌlɛkjələr baɪˈɑːlədʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of studying life (BIOLOGY) at the level of its tiny building blocks, the MOLECULES.
Conceptual Metaphor
Biology as information science (DNA as a code), the cell as a molecular machine.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most directly studied in molecular biology?