Two Convenient Submission Methods

We offer two streamlined online submission options designed to make the process as efficient as possible for molecular biology researchers. Choose the method that best fits your workflow and manuscript complexity.

Manuscript Types We Publish

Enzymes welcomes diverse contributions to molecular biology research. Our expert editorial board, specializing in molecular mechanisms and cellular processes, evaluates each submission for scientific rigor, methodological soundness, and contribution to the field.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your molecular biology manuscript meets our requirements before submission. This checklist helps streamline the review process and reduces the likelihood of desk rejection.

Peer Review Timeline

We are committed to providing timely, rigorous peer review by experts in molecular biology. Our transparent process ensures you know exactly where your manuscript stands at every stage.

Why Molecular Biologists Choose Enzymes

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines

Structure Your Molecular Biology Manuscript

Organize your research article following standard molecular biology conventions to facilitate peer review and reader comprehension.

Title: Concise and specific, reflecting the molecular focus (e.g., "CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Knockout of BRCA1 Reveals Novel DNA Repair Pathways" not "Gene Editing Study").

Abstract: Structured format (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusions), 250-300 words. Clearly state the molecular mechanism investigated and key findings.

Keywords: 5-7 terms including specific genes, proteins, pathways, or techniques (e.g., "gene expression," "protein-protein interaction," "signal transduction," "mass spectrometry").

Introduction: Establish molecular context, review relevant literature on gene/protein function, state research objectives and hypotheses.

Materials and Methods: Detailed protocols for reproducibility - cell lines, molecular techniques (PCR, Western blot, CRISPR, etc.), statistical analyses. Reference established protocols where appropriate.

Results: Present findings logically with appropriate figures (gels, blots, microscopy, graphs). Describe molecular observations without interpretation.

Discussion: Interpret molecular mechanisms, compare with existing literature, discuss implications for gene regulation/protein function/cellular processes, acknowledge limitations.

References: Cite primary literature, use DOIs, follow journal citation style. Include key molecular biology papers relevant to your research.

Figures and Data Presentation

High-quality figures are essential for molecular biology research. Submit publication-ready images:

• Gel images: TIFF format, 300 DPI, with molecular weight markers labeled
• Western blots: Show full blots with loading controls, quantification when appropriate
• Microscopy: High-resolution images with scale bars, multiple representative fields
• Graphs: Editable vector format (EPS/PDF), error bars with statistical significance indicated
• Omics data: Heatmaps, volcano plots, pathway diagrams with clear legends

Data Availability

Molecular biology research increasingly requires data sharing. Include statements on:

• Sequencing data: Deposit in GEO, SRA, or ENA with accession numbers
• Proteomics data: Submit to PRIDE or ProteomeXchange
• Structural data: Deposit in PDB with accession codes
• Plasmids and cell lines: Availability through Addgene or other repositories
• Custom code/scripts: Share via GitHub or supplementary materials

Ethical Considerations in Molecular Biology Research

Enzymes adheres to strict ethical standards for molecular biology research. Ensure your manuscript addresses these requirements:

Human Subjects Research: IRB approval required for studies using human cells, tissues, or genetic material. Include approval number and informed consent procedures.

Animal Research: IACUC approval for animal studies. Follow ARRIVE guidelines for reporting. Justify animal use and describe humane endpoints.

Biosafety: Institutional biosafety committee approval for recombinant DNA work, viral vectors, or pathogen studies. Specify biosafety level and containment procedures.

Genetic Data: Protect participant privacy in genomic studies. Follow HIPAA and GDPR guidelines. Obtain appropriate consent for data sharing.

Dual-Use Research: Consider potential misuse of findings (e.g., gain-of-function studies, synthetic biology). Discuss with editors if concerns arise.

Authorship: All authors must meet ICMJE criteria - substantial contributions to conception/design, data acquisition/analysis, drafting/revising, and final approval. Acknowledge technical assistance appropriately.

After Submission: What to Expect

Immediate Confirmation: You'll receive an automated email with your manuscript tracking number within minutes of submission.

Editorial Screening (Days 1-3): The Editor-in-Chief reviews your manuscript for scope and quality. Approximately 15% of submissions are desk-rejected at this stage due to insufficient molecular biology focus, poor methodology, or scope mismatch.

Reviewer Selection (Days 4-7): We carefully select 2-3 reviewers with expertise in your specific molecular biology area. Our editorial board includes specialists in genomics, proteomics, cell signaling, gene regulation, and structural biology.

Peer Review (Days 8-21): Reviewers evaluate scientific rigor, experimental design, data quality, and interpretation. They provide constructive feedback to improve your manuscript.

Decision Notification (Days 22-28): You'll receive one of four decisions:

• Accept: Manuscript accepted as-is (rare, ~5% of submissions)
• Minor Revisions: Small changes needed, typically accepted after revision (~25%)
• Major Revisions: Significant improvements required, re-review needed (~21%)
• Reject: Manuscript does not meet publication standards (~49%)

Revision Process: If revisions are requested, you'll have 30-60 days to submit a revised manuscript with a detailed point-by-point response to reviewer comments. Address each comment thoroughly, providing additional data or clarification as needed.

Final Acceptance: Once accepted, your manuscript proceeds to production. You'll receive proofs for final review before publication.

Publication: Your article is published online with a DOI and immediately indexed in major databases. Share your research with the molecular biology community!

Open Access Benefits for Molecular Biologists

Publishing Open Access in Enzymes ensures your molecular biology research achieves maximum impact:

• Unrestricted Access: No subscription barriers - any researcher worldwide can read your work immediately
• Higher Citation Rates: Open Access articles receive 30-50% more citations than subscription-based publications
• Broader Audience: Reach molecular biologists in academia, industry, and developing countries
• Compliance: Meets Open Access mandates from NIH, Wellcome Trust, and other major funders
• Rapid Dissemination: Published online immediately upon acceptance - no print delays
• Permanent Archiving: Your research is preserved in perpetuity with a permanent DOI
• Social Media Sharing: Freely shareable on ResearchGate, Twitter, institutional repositories

Article Processing Charges (APCs)

Enzymes operates on an Open Access model supported by Article Processing Charges. Transparent pricing ensures no hidden costs:

Standard APC: Covers peer review, editing, typesetting, hosting, and permanent archiving. Competitive rates compared to major molecular biology publishers.

Waivers and Discounts: We offer financial support for eligible authors:

• Partial waivers for authors from low-income countries (World Bank classification)
• 50% discount for authors from lower-middle-income countries
• Case-by-case consideration for unfunded research or financial hardship
• Institutional memberships available for bulk submissions

Financial constraints should never prevent publication of high-quality molecular biology research. Contact our editorial office to discuss waiver eligibility.