'''Molecular genetics''' is the field of Biology which studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. Molecular genetics employs the methods of Genetics and Molecular_biology. It is so-called to differentiate it from other sub fields of genetics such as Ecological_genetics and Population_genetics. An important area within molecular genetics is the use of molecular information to determine the patterns of descent, and therefore the correct Scientific_classification of organisms: this is called Molecular_systematics.
== Forward genetics ==
One of the first tools available to molecular geneticists is the forward Genetic_screen. The aim of this technique is to identify mutations that produce a certain Phenotype. A Mutagen is very often used to accelerate this process. Once mutants have been isolated, the mutated gene can be molecularly identified.
== Reverse genetics ==
''Main article:'' Reverse_genetics
While forward genetic screens are productive, a more straightforward approach would be to determine the phenotype that results from mutating a given gene. This is called reverse genetics. In some organisms, such as yeast and mice, it is possible to induce the deletion of a particular gene, creating a Gene_knockout. Alternatives include the random induction of DNA deletions and subsequent selection for deletions in a gene of interest, the application of RNA_interference and the creation of Transgenic organisms that overexpress a gene of interest.
==See also==
*The study of macromolecules important in biological inheritance
*forward and reverse genetics screens
**RNA_interference
**Gene_knockout
*transgenics and Overexpression
*mapping, cloning, and sequencing
*Gene_expression
**measuring
**spatial and temporal regulation
**cDNAs
*Imprinting
*bacterial and phage molecular genetics
*eukaryotic molecular genetics
==External links==
* Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Haematology http://www.infobiogen.fr/services/chromcancer/dblinks.html
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Category:Molecular_biology
Category:Genetics
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El:Μοριακή_Γενετική
Es:Genética_molecular
Id:Genetika_molekular
It:Genetica_molecolare
Lt:Raidos_genetika
Nl:Moleculaire_genetica
Ja:分子遺伝学
Pt:Genética_molecular
Th:อณูพันธุศาสตร์