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What does a Molecular Biologist do?

Elva K.
Elva K.

Molecular biologists analyze the molecular aspects of genetics. Work that a molecular biologist does specifically involves the study of how biological aspects of life forms get passed from generation to generation. The work is typically done with microscopic life forms that are not visible to the eye under normal circumstances. Other types of work that molecular biologists can do is work which enables gene transfer, work such as testing food or water for harmful organisms, agricultural work, industrial work, or work that is done for oil companies.

Typically, molecular biologists are expert chemists and geneticists. Thus, their academic background tends to include doctoral preparation in these academic areas. Also, in addition to their academic skills, they tend to have excellent analytic skills, attention to details, computer skills, organizational skills. They also tend to have a good ability to handle stress, follow directions, and do tasks in a precise manner.

Because molecular biologists may be exposed to toxic chemicals, they tend to wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles.
Because molecular biologists may be exposed to toxic chemicals, they tend to wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles.

Usually, molecular biologists work in various settings such as universities, hospitals, industrial labs, agricultural companies, biotechnology companies, food or beverage companies, oil companies, and the government. Their career trajectory depends on the extent of their education. Some become quality control professionals, clinical technicians, bioremediation professionals, college molecular biology professors, or physicians.

Molecular biologists use microscopes to analyze genetic aspects of molecules.
Molecular biologists use microscopes to analyze genetic aspects of molecules.

Molecular biologists believe everything is connected. It is true that people and things have individual aspects that make them unique. Nonetheless, molecular biologists emphasize the connectedness of things. In fact, a major view that has been expressed in the field of molecular biology is the idea that a molecular chain connects all of us to the first living things that were on this planet billions of years ago.

DNA is of special interest to molecular biologists.
DNA is of special interest to molecular biologists.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is of special interest to molecular biologists. DNA has a prominent role in matters of heredity. Also, DNA has a role in determining the occurrence of illness, another reason that molecular biologists are interested in studying DNA.

Molecular biologists study bacteria and viruses. They investigate how microscopic life forms tend to function in production of antibiotics, alcohol, sugar, or amino acids. In fact, this type of research has resulted in major gains in medical knowledge as well as improvements in agriculture, industry, and other fields.

Many molecular biologists work in labs funded by universities, hospitals, commercial companies, or the government.
Many molecular biologists work in labs funded by universities, hospitals, commercial companies, or the government.

In their work, molecular biologists do use microscopes; however, they use more complex equipment as well depending on the particular goal of their research. For example, a molecular biologist might use equipment such as liquid chromatographs, thermocyclers, phosphoimagers, or electrophoresis units. Or, they may use fluorescence-activated cell sorting equipment.

Microscopes are just one tool used by molecular biologists, who often also require sophisticated equipment such as liquid chromatographs, thermocyclers, phosphoimagers or electrophoresis units.
Microscopes are just one tool used by molecular biologists, who often also require sophisticated equipment such as liquid chromatographs, thermocyclers, phosphoimagers or electrophoresis units.

Exposure to toxic chemicals is a dangerous aspect of being a molecular biologist. Thus, a molecular biologist tends to wear jackets, goggles, and other protective safety equipment while working to prevent injury or death due to chemical or infection exposure. Also, molecular biologists get inoculations to prevent infection by diseases.

Discussion Comments

anon352174

What tools are used by molecular biologists?

anon325428

@anon322513: General lab equipment, like beakers, Eppendorf pipettes, test tubes, etc. In particular, centrifuges, microscopes (ranging from regular light microscope to electron microscopes), petri dishes, electrophoresis tanks, maybe HPLC, incubators and autoclaves. It depends on the line of work, really.

anon322513

What tools or equipment are used by a molecular biologist?

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    • Because molecular biologists may be exposed to toxic chemicals, they tend to wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles.
      By: Tom Mc Nemar
      Because molecular biologists may be exposed to toxic chemicals, they tend to wear safety equipment like gloves and goggles.
    • Molecular biologists use microscopes to analyze genetic aspects of molecules.
      By: RTimages
      Molecular biologists use microscopes to analyze genetic aspects of molecules.
    • DNA is of special interest to molecular biologists.
      By: xtock
      DNA is of special interest to molecular biologists.
    • Many molecular biologists work in labs funded by universities, hospitals, commercial companies, or the government.
      By: Darren Baker
      Many molecular biologists work in labs funded by universities, hospitals, commercial companies, or the government.
    • Microscopes are just one tool used by molecular biologists, who often also require sophisticated equipment such as liquid chromatographs, thermocyclers, phosphoimagers or electrophoresis units.
      By: 18percentgrey
      Microscopes are just one tool used by molecular biologists, who often also require sophisticated equipment such as liquid chromatographs, thermocyclers, phosphoimagers or electrophoresis units.