1. Molecular biologyThe functioning of each cell depends on the precision of DNA replication, transcription and translation. The three processes occur sequentially to facilitate the flow of genetic information and control an organism's characteristics. First, DNA replication takes place. Double-helical DNA splits into two strands, and each separate strand acts as a new DNA strand with its own complete genome. Second, DNA is transcribed into mRNA in a process called transcription. mRNA carries the information necessary for protein synthesis. Finally, translation occurs when mRNA directs protein synthesis with the help of tRNA. (ATDBio, nd)Figure 1: Replication, transcription and translation (Childs, 2001)The study of replication, transcription and translation of genetic material is known as molecular biology. Molecular biology is a bottom-up approach to understanding human life. Although the exploration of molecular biology began in the 1930s, it really took off in the 1960s, after the discovery of the structure of DNA. (Coriell Institute for Medical Research, nd) Today, molecular biology shapes our understanding of disease. Through this reflective journal, I seek to explore preventive and curative phenomena in medical biotechnology, and to determine their impact on the political, social and economic spheres.2. Prevention and cureThree relatively recent medical advances are cervical cancer vaccination, genetic testing, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. These advances prevent diseases, diagnose diseases at an early stage, prescribe treatments through understanding genetic material, and cure diseases that were previously untreatable.2.1. Cervical cancer vaccineWith a mor...... middle of paper ......ices/molecular-biology/what-is-molecular-biologyGenetics & IVF Institute (nd). What is DPI? Retrieved from http://www.givf.com/geneticservices/whatispgd.shtmlGenetics Home Reference (May 20, 2014). What are the types of genetic tests? - Home reference in genetics. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/usesNational Cancer Institute (nd). HPV and Cancer - National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPVNational University Hospital (November 2003). Genetic testing: why, when and who. Retrieved from http://www.nuh.com.sg/wbn/slot/u3609/Education/Healthcare%20Professionals/Education%20&%20Training%20Opportunities/Bulletin/bulletin_33.pdfWorld Health Organization (September 2013). WHO | Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs380/en/