BASIC CONCEPTS OF MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY

The influence of molecular biology in the field of allergy and immunol ogy is becoming more pronounced. Both clinical and basic science inves tigations use molecular biologic techniques to diagnose deficiencies a t the molecular level and to elucidate the nature of the immune respon se. An understanding of the basic biologic processes that underlie thi s new technology is essential to the appreciation of its impact and us efulness. This article provides an overview of these processes along w ith pertinent applications.