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Molecular biology is the field of science that forms the foundation of rigorous biological research and study. With exceptional research every day, it is essential for students to read as much as possible on molecular biology.
As the amount of information is expanding dramatically in biology, it is essential to import all the vast scientific knowledge into textbooks.
Understanding molecular biology concepts and principles is only possible after reading the textbooks. In this article, we have discussed the 12 best molecular biology books for clearing the fundamentals.
Best Molecular Biology Books Recommended for all Researchers
Molecular biology is an ancient field of science that has led to the development of several other interdisciplinary sciences. Hence, molecular biology remains the golden key for all types of research.
Understanding molecular biology is child’s play until you read the best books. It requires rigorous reading and practice from the most recommended guides. Given below is the list of the best books to learn Molecular Biology from based on the level of the learners.
- Beginner level: Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function and Molecular and Cell biology for Dummies are ideal to start learning molecular biology.
- Beginner to Intermediate level: Molecular biology of the cell and Becker’s World of the Cell are the most recommended guides for undergraduates and graduates.
- Intermediate to Advance level: Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology and Molecular Biology of the Gene can be read by experimental scientists and theorists to brush up on the knowledge.
- Advanced level: Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual and Molecular Biology are excellent guides for learning molecular techniques in no time along with principles.
For a detailed description of each book, you can read the next section. You may also find other interestingly written books for molecular biology.
1. Molecular Biology of the Cell
Molecular biology of the cell is a definitive textbook for grasping the principles and concepts of the cellular mechanisms. The textbook is divided into five sections. Part one is about a brief introduction to the cell, genomes, biochemistry, and proteins.
Part two comprises the basic genetic mechanisms such as DNA replication, recombination, gene expression, synthesis of protein from DNA, and so on. Part three is essential since it explains the ways of working with cells and analyzing them.
The fourth part explains the internal organization of the cell such as the cell organelles and different accessory parts. The last part is about the relevant topics of cancer, the development of multi-cellular organisms, tissue renewal, and immune systems.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Simple text, comprehensive coverage, and clear style of writing
- Beautiful illustrations and up-to-date examples
- Emphasis on recent discoveries in the field of cell biology and molecular biology
- This develops scientific and research-based thinking in readers
- More than 1600 images for visualizing concepts
- Recommended for students to build strong concepts
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
2. Molecular Biology of the Gene
Molecular Biology of the Gene is an essential textbook for every core scientific researcher. The book is divided into a total of five sections. Section 1 deals with the history and Mendelian view of the world. The basic information of nucleic acids is written lucidly.
The structure and study of macromolecules, the chemical bonding, and the structure of DNA, RNA, proteins, and techniques involved in molecular biology are written down in the second section. The third section is about the genomic structure, chromatin, and nucleosome.
The process of DNA replication, mutation, repair of DNA, homologous recombination, and site-specific recombination of DNA are relevant topics in molecular biology. The gene expression, mechanism of transcription, and regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes along with regulatory RNAs are written in detail in section 5. The recent development of systems biology is the concluding chapter.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Detailed 22 chapters written by a group of experts
- A comprehensive style of writing and lucid language
- Up-to-date information and the latest research
- Illustrative diagrams for pictorial visualizations
- This includes all the essential topics relevant to research
- Recommended for core molecular biologist with research interests
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
3. Molecular Cell Biology
Molecular cell biology is a compilation of the experiments and theories associated with molecular studies of cells. There is a total of four sections with a total of 24 chapters. Section 1 is about the chemical and molecular foundations of molecular biology. The topics of cells, model organisms, protein structure and function, culturing and visualizing cells are written in explanatory ways.
Part two deals with the mechanisms of gene regulation, molecular genetic techniques, biomembrane structure, chromosomes, genes and genomes, expression of genes, gene control, and post-transcriptional methodologies.
The third section is detailed on- cellular organization and functions such as transmembrane transportation, cellular energetics, movement of proteins, vesicular traffic, secretion, endocytosis, signal transduction and pathways, cell organization, eukaryotic cell cycle, and much more. The final and fourth section deals with cellular growth and differentiation mechanisms. The details on immunology, nervous system, and cancer are given here.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A very comprehensive, concise, to the point text
- It includes the recent and up to date information
- The latest research and methodologies in molecular biology are given
- Illustrative diagrams and examples for clearing concepts
- It includes every relevant aspect of molecular biology
- Recommended for every molecular biologist
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
4. Molecular & Cell Biology for Dummies
The Molecular and Cell biology for Dummies is a preliminary book on the fundamentals of biological systems. This is a friendly guide that would help beginners to start understanding life and how it works in living forms. The book explores the structural and functional features of cells along with the case studies of diseases.
The book is divided into distinct chapters that include the basic principles and the mechanisms of working of new technology, microarray techniques, genetic testing, and much more. Separate sections are dedicated to the research possibilities and future perspective of the subject.
It explains how life was started from a primordial soup to everything so advance. It discusses the simple organism of amoeba to the complex human beings. Case studies, examples, and recent researches on diseases are discussed in detail.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Comprehensive, simple, easy to understand language is used
- Straightforward overview with the latest advances in molecular biology
- Tips and tricks on how to prepare for exams
- Online resources provided for clearing concepts
- Recommended for the learners belonging to the beginner/undergraduate level
Level (best suitable for): Beginners
5. Molecular Biology
Molecular Biology is an in-depth compilation on the fundamental concepts of molecular biology with a special focus on experimentation. The author has elaborated on the study of genes and the activities at the molecular level. There are 24 chapters in all. These are very clear-cut and comprehensive chapters. It begins with the introductory chapter and the history of molecular biology.
The essential topics such as the molecular nature of genes, gene function, methods of molecular biology, and molecular cloning are emphasized. The details of molecular tools for studying genes, gene activity, transcription in prokaryotes, and eukaryotes along with the description of operons are written well.
The DNA protein interactions, several mechanisms in both eukaryotes, prokaryotes, transcription activator, chromatin structure, mRNA processing, splicing are also included in detail. The essential topics of recombination, transposition, applications, enzymology, genomics, and proteomics are paid exceptional attention.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Very well-structured and comprehensively written book
- Lucrative style, details on the fundamental concepts
- Excellent illustrations and clear-cut text
- Persuasive presentation of fundamentals of molecular biology
- Clear cut division of sections for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- Recommended for molecular biologist working in research areas
Level (best suitable for): Advanced
6. Essential Cell Biology
Essential Cell Biology is a different and unique book for studying the basic concepts of cellular biology. Overall the book is divided into clear-cut 20 chapters. The book begins with the fundamental unit of life that is the cell. The chemical components of the cell, energy, catalysis, biosynthesis are described in the further chapters.
The protein structure and function, DNA structure and function, application, and repair mechanisms are essential topics. The mechanism of protein synthesis from DNA, gene expression, and control, the evolution of genes and genomes, the function, and the structural analysis are included in different chapters.
The membrane structure, transportation across the cell membrane, and energy for cells, energy in mitochondria, and intracellular transportation are also relevant topics to be studied. The chapter ends on topics of the cytoskeleton, cell division, sexual reproduction, and tissues, stem cells, and cancers.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A clear-cut and thorough revision of chapters
- Briefly describe the topics relevant to the subject
- Special emphasis on the macromolecules involved in mechanisms
- An excellent guide for clearing the theoretical concepts
- Recommended for intermediate level learners
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate
7. Lewin’s GENES
Lewin’s Genes is a quintessential molecular biology textbook that is recommended for understanding the modern concepts behind molecular biology. This book helps in learning new information and cutting-edge developments every day. Overall there are four major parts in this book.
The first part is about the fundamental units of cells that are the genes and chromosomes. It explains the biochemical nature, composition, content, evolution, clusters, and repeats of the genes. The second part is about DNA replication and recombination mechanisms. The extrachromosomal replications, repair systems, transposable elements, and retroviruses are paid special heed.
The third section is about the transcription methods in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the post-transcriptional mechanisms such as splicing, translation, and genetic codes. The final section includes gene regulation topics such as opinion, epigenetics, non-coding, and regulatory RNA.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Is an ideal guide for getting inside on the theoretical aspects of molecular biology
- Comprehensive, lucid style of writing
- Simple text and easy to understand language
- Relevant topics of epigenetics and phage strategies
- Recommended for intermediate to advanced level learners
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
8. Becker’s World of the Cell
Becker’s World of the Cell is the clear coverage on the biochemistry associated with the fundamental unit of life. It has brief explanations and illustrative figures. Overall the book has 26 chapters. It begins with the history of cell biology followed by the chemistry of the cell and the macromolecules present in a cell.
The further chapters describe the organelles in a cell, the flow of energy, enzymes, membranes, and transportation across those membranes. The essential topics of chemotropic and phototropic energy metabolism, membrane system, cytoskeletal systems, and cellular movements are written in brief.
The structural basis of cellular information, DNA, and its organization is explained in the further chapters. The concluding chapters include signal transduction mechanisms, cell cycle process, sexual reproduction, genetic recombination, and the development of cancer disease.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The book is amazing since it provides fundamentals on the biochemistry
- Comprehensive and clear division of chapters
- Brief explanations of every aspect of molecular biology
- Illustrative, colorful, and descriptive diagrams for concept visualization
- Recommended for beginner to intermediate researchers from biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
9. Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function
Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function is a holistic approach for understanding the molecules, tissues and the organisms. It is a very well written guide on information transfer between generations. There is a total of 19 chapters in the book.
The initial chapter describes how biological information is transferred between different generations. The macromolecules associated with life and the chemical basis of life are described in the further chapters. The process of the cell cycle, DNA replication, transcription, and regulation of transcription is essentially important too.
The process of RNA processing, translation, and regulation of translation are included in the next chapters. The protein modification, targeting, cellular responses to DNA damage, mobile DNA, genetic variation are described as separate chapters. The concluding chapter is on the tools and techniques involved in molecular biology studies.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A very well-received textbook in the field of molecular biology
- Focuses on the principles of molecular biology that helps in clearing the concepts and enhancing knowledge
- An experimental approach to demonstrate the importance of experimental pieces of evidence in research
- A comprehensive guide with a persuasive style of writing
- Easy and simple words are used for a clear understanding
- Recommended for the beginner level of the students
Level (best suitable for): Beginners
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10. Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology
Karp’s Cell and Molecular Biology is a concise and complete book that helps the students in understanding the key concepts and experimentation. The book is composed of 18 brief and detailed chapters. The initial chapter is an introduction to the study of cell and molecular biology. It is followed by the chemical basis of life and relevant topics of bioenergetics, enzymes, and metabolism.
The structure and function of the plasma membrane, aerobic respiration, and photosynthesis are described in further chapters. The cellular interaction with the environment is an interesting chapter to read. The cytoskeleton and cytoplasmic membrane system that make up the cellular structure are technically relevant topics.
The nature of the gene and the genome, gene expression, control of gene expression, and so on are mentioned too. DNA’s replication and repair mechanisms, cellular reproduction, cell signaling, and transaction are theoretically significant chapters to read. The concluding chapters on cancer, immune response, and the techniques in cell and molecular biology are intriguing.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A very brief and precise book for molecular biology learners
- Quantitative and informative tutorial videos are available
- Interesting animations and illustrative diagrams for concepts
- A comprehensive, simple text, persuasive style of writing
- Recommended for intermediate to advanced level of researchers in molecular biology field
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
11. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual
Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual is a compilation for hands-on experimentation which is based on molecular biology fundamentals. Overall the book is divided into five sections. The first section is on the fundamentals associated with the subject- isolation and quantification of DNA, analysis of DNA, cloning & transformation techniques, recombination & cloning, PCR, and bioinformatics.
Followed by this, the next section is about the analysis and manipulation of DNA and RNA. The processes of real-time PCR, DNA sequencing, DNA methylation in mammalian cells, methods for in vitro metagenesis are described. The third part is about the genes and their interaction in cells. It describes the process of introducing genes in cultured mammalian cells.
The fourth part is about the expression of genes, analysis of gene regulation using reporter systems, RNA interference, and small RNA analysis, and expressing clone genes for protein production, purification, and analysis. The final part includes essential topics of interaction analysis such as cross-linking technologies for analysis of chromatin structure and function, CLIP, gateway compatible Yeast, one-hybrid, and two-hybrid assays.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A complete, descriptive guide on the molecular cloning methodologies
- Easy to understand, use of simple language
- Experimentation basis for clearing the molecular biology concepts
- Hands-on practice for great research experiments
- Recommended for advanced level researchers in the molecular cloning field
Level (best suitable for): Advanced
12. The Eighth Day of Creation
The Eighth Day of Creation is an interesting compilation of the life evolution process. The book has been positively received by several readers. The book is divided into clear-cut three sections. The first section is about DNA. The author has lucratively written about the essential macromolecule of life, DNA.
The second part is dedicated to RNA. The author describes how it evolved. The last part is about the most dynamic macromolecule called protein. This part describes how protein is the secret of life. This book is for those readers who wish to read Molecular biology topics interestingly.
This book is different and has been reviewed, read, and recommended by numerous writers and readers. It is a marvellous history of molecular biology that introduces many clever experiments and the greatest scientific minds who solve these mysteries.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A very comprehensive and scientific story on modern biology
- It is unique and interesting
- Written in a very persuasive and different style of narration
- For learning something different from the fundamental concepts
- Recommended for beginner to intermediate learners wanting to learn something different
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
There are innumerable books available for students to read on molecular biology. However, we recommend you to read only the best books available. Grasping the concepts in the right way and developing the thinking abilities for research is essential.
In this article, we have mentioned the best books on molecular biology for a different level of researchers. The best books are mentioned in the initial section and the description of each is given in the further section.
Get the books that suit your requirement and also fits perfectly into your budget. You can go for the elementary books that provide clear concepts. Go for the advanced level books for understanding the mechanism of research in the molecular biology field.
