When you study molecular biology, you mainly focus on the structure and functioning of biological cells. It is a branch of biology that will help you to experimentally analyze the composition, processing, functions, and regulation of biological molecules.
A thorough study with the help of the best molecular biology textbooks, can enable you to figure out how biological molecules evolve and communicate with one another. Through this, you can get an insight into how living organisms perform life functions on a micro level.
Below we have listed some of the informative books for molecular biology based on what they teach you, level of learning, publication year, and ease of understanding, so you can pick the one suitable for your experience level.
The list includes molecular biology practical books, reference books, and course books. Let’s check them out.
Basic + Advanced Molecular Biology Books For You
- Biology Made Easy
- Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Molecular Biology of the Gene
- Molecular Biology 3rd Edition
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular and Cellular Biology of Viruses
- Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies
- Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function
- Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Advanced Molecular Biology Text Book : A Concise Reference
Best Molecular Biology Books for All
1. Biology Made Easy: An Illustrated Study Guide For Students To Easily Learn Cellular & Molecular Biology
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| Rating | 4.4 |
| Author | NEDU |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
Are you looking for a basic molecular biology book? If yes, then you should definitely refer to this easy-to-follow and informative molecular biology book.
- This book gives a brief history about the origin of humans on earth and how they have evolved over the years.
- With the aid of more than 300 pictures, it explains the fundamental concepts of molecular biology, making it the best book of molecular biology available on the market.
- Each chapter goes into depth on key topics to further your understanding of Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Pros:
- This is the best molecular biology book to explain the basic principles of molecular and cellular biology with the help of several visual illustrations.
- The language of the book is very easy to read, which makes it pretty engaging for most beginners. Shop for this amazing molecular biology text book
Cons:
- Instead of words, the book could have used more illustrations.
- The book’s substance could have been presented more attractively.
2. Molecular Biology of the Cell 6th Edition
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| Rating | 4.5 |
| Author | Bruce Alberts |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
Molecular Biology of the Cell, Sixth Edition is a very easy to understand molecular biology text book. The contents covered in the book are covered in five parts to create a clear understanding of molecular biology among the readers.
With the aid of thorough concepts and sharp principles, the authors have effectively described a substantial amount of scientific knowledge in this best book of molecular biology.
Pros:
- This book has been thoroughly revised and explains the basic molecular and cellular biology with concisely written content.
- Presents beautiful diagrams and excellent framework to capture the interests of readers. Due to this most learners find it to be the best textbook for molecular biology.
- The book includes well-explained illustrations based on the latest research done in cell biology.
- It is the best molecular biology textbook when it comes to the teaching and learning process.
Cons:
- The book has quality issues with binding.
3. Molecular Biology of the Gene 7th Edition
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| Rating | 4.3 |
| Author | James Watson, Tania Baker, Stephen Bell, Alexander Gann, Michael Levine, Richard Losick |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Expert |
About The Book
This can be your go-to option if you need an advanced molecular biology book. However, the book gives an extensive explanation of all the key concepts. The chapters in the textbook are very well written and interestingly presented to learners.
The content is elaborated with a number of questions discussed in detail which clearly makes it a good book. Due to its key features this book is considered as the best textbook for molecular biology among learners.
Pros:
- This is the best book of molecular biology as it gives in-depth and easy-to understand explanations of the concepts of cell biology.
- Being a good book, it lays the basis of molecular biology.
- Students can easily learn and revise the concepts by going through the key terms, research-based questions and tests given in the book. This is the reason most students use it as a molecular biology reference book.
Cons:
- It is not a basic molecular biology book.
- The book is available in a black and white print and so fails to seem much engaging.
- The Hardcover version of this book is available in a colored print but is overpriced.
4. Molecular Biology 3rd Edition
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| Rating | 4.7 |
| Author | David P. Clark, Nanette Pazdernik, Michelle McGehee |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
This is another common name when it comes to the top 5 best molecular biology books. Do you want to improve your knowledge? Consider purchasing this outstanding book.
It lays focus on the basic concepts explaining the key aspects of modern genetics with experiments and illustrations. The chapters of this basic molecular biology book provide amazing explanations of all the fundamental concepts of biology before going into great detail on more advanced issues.
Pros:
- This edition of the book gives a detailed explanation of the latest aspects in biology when compared to the previous edition.
- This book is highly recommended for undergraduate as well as graduate students.
- The content of this best molecular biology textbook is beautifully explained with several colorful pictures.
5. Molecular Cell Biology Eighth Edition
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| Rating | 4.5 |
| Author | Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon & Kelsey C. Martin |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
Being written by a team of incredible authors, this is another best molecular biology book. It lays the foundation for the content of medical relevance. This book has gained tremendous attention from users because of its authoritative and engaging content.
The book helps students to understand the brief history of cell biology. The authors have also mentioned some latest illustrations to describe the link between health, human disease and cell biology.
Pros:
- The text of the book is well-structured and organized to provide a better understanding of cell biology.
- The topics covered in this molecular biology text book are accurate and improve the knowledge about cell molecular biology.
Cons:
- Students can find the chapters very dense and lengthy.
6. Molecular and Cellular Biology of Viruses 1st Edition
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| Rating | 4.9 |
| Author | Phoebe Lostroh |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
If you are struggling to get a detailed book about Molecular Biology, this could be a good pick for you. This molecular biology text book comes with an approach to keep the users engaged till the last chapter. It briefly explains the relationship between viruses and host cells and what effects they have.
This book also contains a detailed discussion about the antiviral drugs and the development of vaccines with the help of medical applications. This makes it the best molecular biology reference book.
Pros:
- Being an advanced molecular biology book, it describes examples using vibrant colors.
- After every chapter you can find a number of questions and answers. This can be helpful while preparing and revising for tests or exams.
- As it is the best molecular biology textbook, it makes the teaching and learning process more interesting by adding quality illustrations.
Cons:
- There could have been more information on the development of key protease enzymes.
7. Molecular & Cell Biology For Dummies, 2nd Edition 2nd Edition
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| Rating | 4.7 |
| Author | Rene Fester Kratz |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
This is an excellent molecular biology reference book with a good explanation about how life of living beings works. It will explain to you about the fundamentals of specialized cells and their lives. So, this can be your best pick if you want an advanced book.
This book gives a detailed description about the basic functions and structure of cells. It helps students to understand the importance of cellular context for disease study.
Pros:
- This well-written and comprehensive book is a great tool for students to prepare for their exams. That’s why it is considered as the best molecular biology textbook.
- It also provides helpful tips about how students can prepare for exams and ace them..
Cons:
- The book is very informative, but it contains complex content so the learners may need to re-read it several times. So, not the best molecular biology book if you just wish to rush through.
8. Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function 2nd Edition
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| Rating | 4.5 |
| Author | Nancy Craig, Rachel Green, Carol Greider, Gisela Storz, Cynthia Wolberger, Orna Cohen-Fix |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
This is a popular name in the molecular biology books list. If you need a broad understanding about the functioning of organisms, molecules and tissues, consider buying this book. There are a total of 19 chapters in the book describing the basic principles of botany.
It is a basic molecular biology book that covers all the crucial topics like, DNA replication, nucleic acids, genetic code and so on. In the last chapter of this molecular biology text book you can study about the procedures and methods used in research on molecular biology.
It is a molecular biology practical book that gives a lot of experimental examples to improve the knowledge of students.
Pros:
- This is one of the best textbook for molecular biology that focuses on providing an easy understanding of the core concepts of cellular and molecular biology.
- Every chapter in the book includes a glossary describing the key words, chapter summaries, and questions.
- The book also suggests related topics at the end of each chapter, in order to improve students’ learning. This is another reason that makes it the best molecular biology textbook.
9. Molecular Biology of the Cell Seventh Edition
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| Rating | – |
| Author | Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Beginner |
About The Book
When compared to the previous edition, this best book of molecular biology provides a more logical and progressive knowledge about cellular and molecular biology. It has clearly highlighted the key components, ideas and experimental illustrations.
This molecular biology practical book helps the learners to create a more logical framework and evaluate modern science critically. The book extensively covers all prominent topics such as new techniques for genes and protein study, advancement done in the study of cancer treatment and much more.
Pros:
- It contains informative text and interesting examples to facilitate a good understanding of molecular biology. It is a perfect option when it comes to molecular biology practical books to serve your interest.
- Being the best textbook for molecular biology, it contains a number of questions at the end of every chapter so students can ace their tests and exams.
Cons:
- eBook has a lot of misprints.
10. Advanced Molecular Biology Book: A Concise Reference
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| Rating | 4 |
| Author | Richard M. Twyman |
| eBook Available | Yes |
| Level | Expert |
About The Book
As the name of the book goes by, it lays emphasis on bringing together the mechanisms and principles of molecular biology. The author has used the boxes and tables to explain the functions gene and protein.
Likewise, as expected from the best textbook for molecular biology, it provides a summary of data related to various experiments discussed in the book. This book shares detailed, latest and authoritative knowledge about people with some contribution in the molecular biology field.
If you want to score good marks in exams, ensure you are buying this book to excel in your exams.
Pros:
- This is the best book of molecular biology since it helps graduate students to prepare for their comprehensive tests and exams.
Cons:
- This is not a basic molecular biology book so it is not meant for absolute beginners.
Related: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Relationship | Top Biochemistry Courses | Cell Biology Books
To Sum Up…
To conclude, Biology Made Easy is our top selling book recommendation for this subject.
Several advancements have been made in the field of molecular biology in the last few years. Most students show their interest in this field because of its frequent uses and implementation in their regular life.
In the beginning, it can be a bit difficult to understand the subject, but with the right molecular biology reference books and a willingness to learn anyone can understand molecular biology.
If you are considering getting a degree in molecular and cell biology or taking up an online molecular biology course, hope this molecular biology books list helps you.
