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Table 1 The list of “really cool tricks” of molecular biology described in Chapter 14 of The Joy of Science

From: Tracing the ELF: Joyful Excursions in Search of Evolution

“Really cool tricks” in molecular biology

#1 How to turn a not-so-bad bug into a really bad one

#2 Bacterial milkshakes

#3 Molecular billiards and Russian dolls

#4 Playing in the kitchen is wonderful for babies and future Nobel laureates

#5 Viruses know how to cut up DNA

#6 Getting DNA to race

#7 Looking for crazy bacteria

#8 If the water main is working at First St. but not at 3rd St., then the blockage must be near 2nd st.

#9 When all the puzzle pieces are the same

  1. The history of molecular biology is presented as a series of smart solutions to problems of observing and modifying organic molecules in a pursuit of the question “What is the basis of inheritance?”