What examples of the applications of molecular biology in medicine could I teach in Unit 3?
Response: In Unit 3 Outcome 1 (p. 22 of the study design) students should understand how the principles of molecular biology are applied, for example cell mechanisms, transport of molecules and the techniques used. One example in the study of applications of molecular biology is Relenza. It arose from Australian (CSIRO) research. It operates at a molecular level by blocking the action of an enzyme found on the surface of the flu virus. The development of a variety of vaccines by Australian scientists could also be studied. For example, the work by Professor Ian Frazer in developing a vaccine against the papilloma virus that causes many cases of cervical cancer.
