Prerequisites for Molecular Biology
Build a solid foundation in molecular biology through these comprehensive MIT lecture series and stunning molecular animations. Start with the visual animations to build intuition, then proceed through 7.01SC Fundamentals of Biology for core concepts, and finally 7.016 for deeper coverage of biochemistry, genetics, and cellular mechanisms.
Molecular Biology Animations
These stunning visualizations bring molecular biology to life, showing the intricate molecular machines that operate inside every living cell. Created by award-winning animators Drew Berry and Etsuko Uno at WEHI (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute), these animations are scientifically accurate representations of DNA replication, protein synthesis, and cellular processes at the molecular level.
From DNA to Protein - 3D
A comprehensive 3D journey through the central dogma of molecular biology: from DNA in the nucleus to protein synthesis at the ribosome. Watch as DNA is transcribed into mRNA, processed through splicing, exported from the nucleus, and translated into functional proteins.
DNA Animation (2002-2014) by Drew Berry and Etsuko Uno
Award-winning compilation of DNA and molecular biology animations from WEHI.tv spanning 2002-2014. Features detailed visualizations of DNA structure, replication, transcription, and the molecular machinery that maintains genetic information. Created by renowned biomedical animator Drew Berry.
Your Body's Molecular Machines
Explore the incredible nanoscale machines inside your cells: kinesin motor proteins walking along microtubules, ATP synthase spinning to generate cellular energy, and the intricate choreography of molecular motors that keep every cell functioning.
Your Unstoppable Copy Machine | DNA Replication
Watch the remarkable DNA replication machinery in action. See how helicase unwinds the double helix, how DNA polymerase synthesizes new strands with extraordinary accuracy, and how the leading and lagging strands are coordinated to duplicate the entire genome with near-perfect fidelity.
MIT 7.01SC Fundamentals of Biology
This foundational course introduces the basic principles of biochemistry and molecular biology. Topics include cell composition, biological molecules, biochemical reactions, molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology, and genomics. Essential preparation for advanced molecular biology studies.
Biochemical Reactions & Metabolism
Respiration
Citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, and oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production
The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
Transcription Initiation
Promoter recognition, transcription factors, and the assembly of the transcription complex
Translation
Protein synthesis: ribosomes, tRNA, genetic code, and polypeptide chain formation
Classical & Molecular Genetics
Mendel's Laws
Law of segregation and independent assortment: foundational principles of heredity
Pedigrees
Tracing inheritance patterns through family trees and determining modes of inheritance
Molecular Analysis Techniques
DNA Sequencing
Sanger sequencing method and next-generation sequencing technologies
Advanced Topics & Gene Editing
RNA Interference
Gene silencing mechanism using small RNAs: siRNA, miRNA, and their applications
MIT 7.016 Introductory Biology
Instructors: Professor Barbara Imperiali, Professor Adam Martin, Dr. Diviya Ray
This advanced introductory course provides deeper coverage of biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, cell biology, immunology, and developmental biology. Build upon 7.01SC foundations with more sophisticated understanding of cellular mechanisms and experimental approaches.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Foundation in chemical bonding, biological macromolecules, metabolism, and the central dogma of molecular biology.
2. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Interactions; Lipids and Membranes
Covalent and non-covalent bonds, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effect. Lipid bilayers, membrane fluidity, and the structure of biological membranes.
3. Structures of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
The 20 amino acids, peptide bond formation, protein primary structure. Secondary structures (α-helix, β-sheet), tertiary and quaternary structure, protein folding principles.
4. Enzymes & Metabolism
Enzyme catalysis, active sites, cofactors and coenzymes. Michaelis-Menten kinetics, enzyme regulation. Metabolic pathways and energy transformation.
5. Carbohydrates and Glycoproteins
Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Glycosidic bonds, glycogen and starch. Protein glycosylation and the role of glycoproteins in cell recognition.
6. Nucleic Acids
Structure of DNA and RNA. Nucleotides and nucleosides, phosphodiester bonds. Watson-Crick base pairing, DNA double helix structure, RNA secondary structures.
7. Replication
DNA replication machinery: DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, ligase. Leading and lagging strand synthesis, Okazaki fragments. Proofreading and error correction mechanisms.
8. Transcription
RNA polymerase and transcription mechanism. Promoters, transcription factors, and gene regulation. Transcription in prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes.
9. Chromatin Remodeling and Splicing
Chromatin structure: nucleosomes, histones, and histone modifications. Chromatin remodeling complexes. RNA splicing: introns and exons, the spliceosome, alternative splicing.
10. Translation
The genetic code and codon-anticodon recognition. Ribosome structure and function. Initiation, elongation, and termination of translation. tRNA charging and wobble base pairing.
Cell Biology & Genetics
Cellular organization, genetics principles, Mendelian inheritance, and the power of model organisms.
11. Cells, the Simplest Functional Units
Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells. Organelles and their functions: nucleus, ER, Golgi, mitochondria, lysosomes. Compartmentalization and cellular organization.
12. Genetics 1 – Cell Division & Segregating Genetic Material
Mitosis and meiosis. Chromosome segregation, homologous chromosomes. Haploid vs. diploid cells. Sexual vs. asexual reproduction.
13. Genetics 2 – Rules of Inheritance
Mendelian genetics: Law of segregation and independent assortment. Dominant and recessive alleles. Punnett squares, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
14. Genetics 3 – Linkage, Crossing Over
Genetic linkage and recombination. Crossing over during meiosis. Recombination frequency and genetic mapping. Creation of genetic diversity.
15. Genetics 4 – The Power of Model Organisms in Biological Discovery
Model organisms: E. coli, yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mice. Forward and reverse genetics. Genetic screens and the power of mutant analysis.
Molecular Techniques & Genomics
Recombinant DNA technology, cloning, genome editing, sequencing, and human genetics.
16. Recombinant DNA, Cloning, & Editing
Restriction enzymes and cloning vectors. PCR and molecular cloning. CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Applications of recombinant DNA technology.
17. Genomes and DNA Sequencing
DNA sequencing technologies: Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing. Genome assembly and annotation. The Human Genome Project and comparative genomics.
18. SNPs & Human Genetics
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genetic variation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Human genetic diversity, population genetics, and personalized medicine.
Cell Signaling & Trafficking
Protein localization, intracellular trafficking, and cell signaling pathways.
19. Cell Trafficking and Protein Localization
Signal sequences and protein targeting. ER, Golgi, and vesicular transport. Endocytosis and exocytosis. Protein sorting to organelles.
20. Cell Signaling 1 – Overview
Principles of cell signaling: ligands, receptors, and signal transduction. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Second messengers and signal amplification.
21. Cell Signaling 2 – Examples
Specific signaling pathways: MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog. Crosstalk between pathways. Signal integration and cellular responses.
22. Neurons, Action Potential, & Optogenetics
Neuron structure and function. Ion channels and membrane potential. Action potential generation and propagation. Optogenetics as a tool for neuroscience research.
Cell Cycle, Development, & Cancer
Cell division control, stem cells, apoptosis, tissue homeostasis, and cancer biology.
23. Cell Cycle and Checkpoints
Phases of the cell cycle: G1, S, G2, M. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Cell cycle checkpoints and regulation. p53 and DNA damage response.
24. Stem Cells, Apoptosis, & Tissue Homeostasis
Stem cell properties: self-renewal and differentiation. Embryonic vs. adult stem cells. Programmed cell death (apoptosis): caspases and the apoptotic pathway. Tissue renewal and homeostasis.
25. Cancer 1
Hallmarks of cancer: sustained proliferation, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death. Oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Multi-step carcinogenesis.
26. Cancer 2
Additional hallmarks: angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, genome instability. Cancer therapeutics: targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Personalized medicine approaches.
Imaging & Visualization Techniques
Methods for visualizing cellular and molecular structures: fluorescent dyes, proteins, and advanced imaging.
27. Visualizing Life – Dyes and Stains
Histological stains: H&E, Gram stain. Fluorescent dyes for cellular compartments: DAPI for DNA, MitoTracker, ER-Tracker. Live vs. fixed cell imaging.
28. Visualizing Life - Fluorescent Proteins
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and variants. Genetically encoded fluorescent tags for protein localization. FRET and other advanced fluorescence techniques.
29. Cell Imaging Techniques
Light microscopy: brightfield, phase contrast, DIC. Fluorescence microscopy and confocal imaging. Super-resolution techniques: PALM, STORM, STED. Electron microscopy: TEM and SEM.
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Immune system function, antibody diversity, T and B cells, and host-pathogen interactions.
30. Immunology 1 – Diversity, Specificity, & B cells
Innate vs. adaptive immunity. Antibody structure and diversity. V(D)J recombination and generation of antibody diversity. B cell development and activation.
31. Immunology 2 – Memory, T cells, & Autoimmunity
Immunological memory and vaccination. T cell receptors (TCRs) and MHC presentation. CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Autoimmunity and immune tolerance.
32. Infectious Disease, Viruses, and Bacteria
Pathogen types: viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites. Viral replication cycles: lytic and lysogenic. Bacterial structure and pathogenicity. Host-pathogen interactions.
33. Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance
Mechanisms of antibiotic action: cell wall synthesis inhibition, protein synthesis inhibition, DNA replication interference. Evolution of antibiotic resistance. Horizontal gene transfer and resistance spread.
34. Viruses and Anti-Viral Resistance
Viral diversity and classification. Antiviral drugs: mechanisms and targets. Viral evolution and escape from immune responses. Drug resistance in viruses like HIV and influenza.
Developmental Biology & Stem Cells
Cloning, embryonic stem cells, and the ethical and scientific implications of reproductive biology.
35. Reproductive Cloning and Embryonic Stem Cells
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and Dolly the sheep. Embryonic stem cells: properties and potential. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Ethical considerations in stem cell research and cloning.