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central dogma of biology

Key Concepts

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It outlines the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins. This framework is fundamental for understanding how genes dictate cellular functions and the synthesis of proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of cells.

Transcription

Transcription is the first step in the Central Dogma, where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This process occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the DNA and synthesizes the mRNA strand. The resulting mRNA carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where protein synthesis occurs.

Translation

Translation is the second step in the Central Dogma, where the mRNA sequence is decoded to synthesize a specific protein. This process takes place in the ribosomes, where transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome in the order specified by the mRNA. The ribosome facilitates the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, resulting in a polypeptide chain that folds into a functional protein.