Algor Cards

The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology and Its Limitations

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

Exploring the intricacies of post-translational modifications (PTMs), this overview delves into how PTMs, inteins, DNA methylation, and prions impact protein function and genetic expression. It challenges the traditional central dogma by revealing sophisticated genetic interactions and the dynamic regulation of phenotypes beyond DNA/RNA sequences.

Post-Translational Modifications and Protein Function

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are critical biochemical processes that occur after a protein has been synthesized, where the protein's structure and function are altered by the addition or removal of functional groups or the cleavage of peptide bonds. These modifications can include phosphorylation, glycosylation, ubiquitination, and more, which can affect protein stability, localization, activity, and interactions with other molecules. PTMs add a layer of complexity to the central dogma of molecular biology, which traditionally describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, by showing that the final protein product can be extensively modified and regulated after synthesis.
Translucent three-dimensional structure of double-stranded DNA with colored bases, purple and pink gradient ribbon protein, and brown-gray spherical prion on a blurry blue background.

Inteins and Protein Splicing

Inteins are protein sequences that are able to catalyze their own excision from a host protein and subsequently join the remaining portions, known as exteins, to form a functional protein. This process, called protein splicing, is a form of post-translational modification. Inteins sometimes contain a homing endonuclease or a maturase domain, which can facilitate horizontal gene transfer by inserting or correcting intein sequences in new locations within the genome. This activity demonstrates a direct role for proteins in the modification of genetic material, providing an exception to the central dogma's principle that information flows from nucleic acids to proteins but not in reverse.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

After a protein is synthesized, its structure and function may be changed through the addition or removal of ______ or the cleavage of ______.

functional groups

peptide bonds

01

______, ______, and ______ are examples of modifications that can influence a protein's stability, localization, activity, and interactions.

Phosphorylation

glycosylation

ubiquitination

02

Protein splicing process

Inteins catalyze their excision from a host protein, joining exteins to form a functional protein.

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword