The central dogma of molecular biology, introduced by Francis Crick, outlines the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. It emphasizes the unidirectional nature of this process and the accuracy of genetic information transfer. The dogma underpins our understanding of heredity, gene expression, and the molecular basis of life, despite exceptions like reverse transcription and prion diseases.
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The Central Dogma is a concept that explains the flow of genetic information within a cell
Introduction of the Central Dogma
Francis Crick introduced the Central Dogma in 1958
Key Principles of the Central Dogma
The Central Dogma highlights the unidirectional flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein
The Central Dogma is often simplified to the process of DNA to RNA to protein, but it originally included the irreversibility of information transfer from protein
DNA, RNA, and proteins are the molecules responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information
DNA Replication
DNA is replicated during normal cellular processes
Transcription
DNA is transcribed into mRNA during normal cellular processes
Translation
mRNA is translated into protein during normal cellular processes
RNA Replication
In certain contexts, RNA can be replicated from an RNA template
Reverse Transcription
In some viruses, DNA can be synthesized from an RNA template
During transcription, DNA's sequence is transcribed into a complementary RNA sequence
In translation, the genetic code is read in sets of three nucleotides, which correspond to specific amino acids
The genetic code is nearly universal, with few exceptions such as the genetic code of human mitochondria and some other organisms
The Central Dogma establishes the fundamental rules for genetic information replication and expression
The Central Dogma delineates the limits of natural information transfer
Despite challenges from discoveries like reverse transcription and prion diseases, the foundational principles of the Central Dogma remain strong
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Central Dogma Process Sequence
Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
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Central Dogma's Unidirectional Nature
Once genetic information is translated into protein, it cannot be transferred back to nucleic acids.
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Simplified vs. Original Central Dogma
Simplified version: DNA to RNA to protein. Original included irreversibility of transfer from protein.
