Molecular microbiology

Molecular microbiology is the branch of microbiology devoted to the study of the molecular basis of the physiological processes that occur in microorganisms.

Mainly because of their relative simplicity, ease of manipulation and growth in vitro, and importance in medicine, bacteria were instrumental in the development of molecular biology. The complete genome sequence for a large number of bacterial species is now available. A list of sequenced prokaryotic genomes is available. Molecular microbiology techniques are currently being used in the development of new genetically engineered vaccines, in bioremediation,biotechnology, food microbiology,probiotic research, antibacterial development and environmental microbiology.

Many bacteria have become model organisms for molecular studies.

Molecular techniques have had a direct influence on the clinical practice of medical microbiology. In many cases where traditional phenotypic methods of microbial identification and typing are insufficient or time-consuming, molecular techniques can provide rapid and accurate data, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Specific examples include:

Bacteria possess diverse proteins and RNA that can sense changes to their intracellular and extracellular environment. The signals received by these macromolecules are transmitted to key genes or proteins, which alter their activities to suit the new conditions.

Viruses are important pathogens of humans and animals. Their genomes are relatively small. For these reasons they were among the first organisms to be fully sequenced. The complete DNA sequence of the Epstein-Barr virus was completed in 1984.Bluetongue virus (BTV) has been in the forefront of molecular studies for last three decades and now represents one of the best understood viruses at the molecular and structural levels. Other viruses such as Papillomavirus,Coronavirus,Caliciviruses,Paramyxoviruses and Influenza virus have also been extensively studied at the molecular level.

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