1. Molecular BiologyThe functioning of each cell depends on the accuracy of DNA replication, transcription and translation. The three processes occur sequentially to facilitate the flow of genetic information and control an organism's traits. First, DNA replication occurs. Double-stranded DNA splits into two strands, and each separated strand acts as a new strand of DNA with its own complete genome. Second, DNA is transcribed into mRNA during a process called transcription. mRNA carries the information necessary for protein synthesis. Finally, translation occurs where the mRNA directs protein synthesis with the assistance of the tRNA. (ATDBio, n.d.)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, n.d.) Today, molecular biology is shaping our understanding of disease. Through this reflective journal, I seek to explore preventive and curative phenomena in medical biotechnology and determine their impact on the political, social and economic spheres.2. Prevention and Treatment Three relatively recent medical advances are vaccination for cervical cancer, genetic testing, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. These advances prevent diseases, diagnose diseases at an early stage, prescribe treatments through knowledge of genetic material, and provide cures for previously untreatable diseases.2.1. Cervical cancer vaccineWith a high mor...... middle of paper......ices/molecular-biology/what-is-molecular-biologyGenetics & IVF Institute (nd). What is PGD? Retrieved from http://www.givf.com/geneticservices/whatispgd.shtmlGenetics Home Reference (May 20, 2014). What are the types of genetic tests? - Reference for the house of genetics. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/usesNational Cancer Institute (n.d.). HPV and cancer - National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPVNational University Hospital (2003, November). 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 (2013, September). WHO | Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs380/en/