Molecular physiology is the study of how molecules within cells work together to carry out the functions of life. It is a subdiscipline of biochemistry and cell biology, and draws on concepts from other areas of biology, such as genetics, development, and evolutionary biology.
The field of molecular physiology emerged in the early 20th century, when scientists began to understand how the chemical reactions that take place inside cells are responsible for their function. In the decades since, molecular physiologists have made significant progress in elucidating the mechanisms by which cells carry out their functions.
One of the most important advances in molecular physiology was the discovery of DNA’s role in heredity. This discovery allowed scientists to begin to understand how genes are passed down from one generation to the next, and how they can be mutated or altered. This knowledge has been critical in developing treatments for genetic diseases.
Another major advance came with the discovery of enzymes and other proteins that regulate cellular processes. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions inside cells, and by understanding how they work, scientists have been able to develop drugs that mimic or block their activity. This has led to treatments for a variety of conditions, including cancer and heart disease.
More recently, molecular physiologists have begun to explore the role of RNA in cell function. RNA is a molecule similar to DNA that plays a variety roles in cells, including acting as a template for protein synthesis and regulating gene expression. The study of RNA is providing new insights into how cells work and may lead to new ways to treat disease.
Molecular physiology is an exciting and rapidly-growing field that is providing new insights into some of the most fundamental questions about life: How do molecules within cells work together to carry out vital functions? How are these functions regulated? What role do genes play in health and disease? As our understanding of these questions continues to grow, so too will our ability to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases at the cellular level.