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The central dogma of molecular biology: This concept describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, laying the groundwork for understanding how genes direct the synthesis of proteins.

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The central dogma of molecular biology is a foundational concept that explains how genetic information is transferred within a biological system. It outlines the following key processes:

  1. DNA Replication: Before a cell divides, its entire DNA is replicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.

  2. Transcription: 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. RNA polymerase enzyme binds to the promoter region of the DNA and synthesizes the mRNA strand using one of the DNA strands as a template.

  3. RNA Processing: In eukaryotes, the initial mRNA transcript (pre-mRNA) undergoes various modifications before it becomes mature mRNA. These modifications include the addition of a 5' cap, polyadenylation at the 3' end, and splicing out introns (non-coding regions) while retaining exons (coding regions).

  4. Translation: This step occurs in the cytoplasm, where the mRNA is translated into a polypeptide (protein) by ribosomes. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry specific amino acids to the ribosome, matching their anticodons with the codons on the mRNA strand to build a protein according to the genetic code.

  5. Protein Folding and Modification: After translation, the new polypeptide chain folds into its functional three-dimensional structure and may undergo further modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, which are critical for its activity and function.

This flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein underpins the processes of gene expression and regulation, allowing cells to adapt their functions according to their needs. The central dogma simplifies the complex interactions that govern how genetic information is translated into functional products within living organisms.

shorter

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. It involves:

  1. DNA Replication: DNA is copied prior to cell division.
  2. Transcription: A gene's DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus.
  3. RNA Processing: The primary mRNA transcript is modified to become mature mRNA by adding a 5' cap, a poly-A tail, and splicing out introns.
  4. Translation: The mRNA is translated into a protein by ribosomes in the cytoplasm, with transfer RNA (tRNA) bringing amino acids based on the mRNA codon sequence.
  5. Protein Folding: The polypeptide chain folds into a functional protein and may undergo modifications.

This framework is essential for understanding how genes direct the synthesis of proteins, which perform critical functions in the cell.