MOLECULAR-GENETICS - INTRODUCTION

While sharing the same techniques as the field at large, diagnostic mo lecular genetics is unique among the subdisciplines of molecular patho logy in many of its aspects, from sample collection to ethical implica tions of the test results obtained. Yet, despite its many challenges, this branch of DNA diagnostics has already pervaded the practice of me dical genetics to an extent unmatched in any other clinical specialty. Genetic disease also presents the most immediately obvious opportunit ies for extension from DNA-based diagnosis to DNA-based therapy.