As an experimental foundational discipline, molecular biology has been widely used in different areas of life science. Molecular biology experiments can promote the better understanding of the basic theory, help students to master operational skills and improve their ability of analytical thinking and innovation. In this study, CiteSpace software is utilized to perform a knowledge graph analysis about the annual number of published papers, author collaboration and keywords of research papers on molecular biology experimental teaching from 2013.1 to 2023.3 that are available from CNKI database. The results show that the amount of articles published each year is fluctuating. Some research teams with closely internal cooperation have appeared but the overall cooperation is far from being adequate. Teaching reform, teaching method, teaching model, experiment course, innovation ability, teaching quality, virtual simulation and reform are keywords frequently occurred among the research articles. Cluster analysis, timeline analysis and emergent analysis of keywords demonstrate that establishing diversified teaching modes combined with advanced technologies and quality resources such as virtual simulation, flipped classroom and massive open online courses and training innovative talents with good scientific quality, innovative consciousness and independent learning ability have become trends of this field. This study aimed to provide references for the quality improvement and reform of molecular biology experimental teaching based on the analyses above.