Basic Concepts of Molecular Genetics

• Published in: Statistical Methods in Genetic Epidemiology
• Main Author: Thomas, Duncan C.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Oxford University Press 29.01.2004; Oxford University Press, Incorporated
• Subjects: Biomathematics and Statistics; Epidemiology & medical statistics; Molecular Biology and Genetics; Public Health; epidemiology; molecular; Research; textbooks; Readers
• ISBN: 019515939X; 9780195159394
• DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780195159394.003.0002

The study of genetic epidemiology and the statistical tools it uses requires at least a rudimentary understanding of the principles of molecular biology on which the phenomena of transmission of genes are based. This chapter provides a general survey of the structure of DNA, chromosomes, and genes, their reproduction by mitosis in somatic cell division and by meiosis in the creation of the gametes that are transmitted from parents to offspring, their expression in proteins, and the types of polymorphisms that can occur. Readers interested in more detail are encouraged to read one of the excellent textbooks on molecular biology, such as that of Strachan and Read (1999) or Lewin (1997). Research in genetic or molecular epidemiology inevitably involves collaboration with laboratory scientists, and some understanding of the methods they use to obtain, amplify, and store DNA and to detect polymorphisms or mutations is also essential. Since these techniques are in a rapid state of evolution, I do not attempt to describe them here, but rather encourage readers to consult with their molecular science colleagues about how best to gain this experience.