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Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics

The Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein through three key processes: replication, transcription, and translation. DNA replication occurs in the nucleus to ensure genetic continuity, while transcription converts DNA into mRNA, which then directs protein synthesis during translation in ribosomes. Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending heredity and the significance of genetic information in biology.

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6 views18 pages

Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics

The Central Dogma of Molecular Genetics describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein through three key processes: replication, transcription, and translation. DNA replication occurs in the nucleus to ensure genetic continuity, while transcription converts DNA into mRNA, which then directs protein synthesis during translation in ribosomes. Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending heredity and the significance of genetic information in biology.

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hbtk5tx8k9
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Central Dogma of Molecular

Genetics
From DNA to RNA to Protein
Learning Objectives
 Define the central dogma of molecular biology.
 Describe the process of DNA replication.
 Explain transcription and the role of RNA.
 Illustrate how translation converts RNA into
proteins.
 Analyze the significance of these processes in
heredity and protein synthesis.
What is the Central Dogma?
• The Central Dogma explains the flow of genetic
information within a biological system:
DNA → mRNA → Protein

Three Key Processes:


Replication – DNA makes a copy of itself
Transcription – DNA is converted into mRNA
Translation – mRNA directs protein synthesis
Overview Diagram of the Central
Dogma
DNA Replication - Purpose &
Location
• Purpose: To create an exact copy of the DNA
before cell division
• Occurs in: Nucleus
• Timing: During the S phase of interphase
• Importance: Ensures genetic continuity in
daughter cells
Key Enzymes in Replication
• Helicase: Unzips the DNA strands
• DNA Polymerase: Adds complementary
nucleotides
• Primase: Lays down RNA primers
• Ligase: Seals fragments (Okazaki fragments on
lagging strand)
Steps in DNA Replication
Initiation: Helicase unwinds DNA
Elongation: DNA polymerase adds complementary
bases
• Leading strand (continuous)
• Lagging strand (discontinuous)
Termination: Ligase connects fragments

• Note: Base-pairing rule – A-T, G-C


Transcription - Purpose &
Location
• Purpose: To produce a complementary RNA copy
of a gene
• Occurs in: Nucleus
• End product: Messenger RNA (mRNA)

• Why? DNA cannot leave the nucleus, so mRNA


carries the message to ribosomes
Steps of Transcription
1. Initiation: RNA polymerase binds to promoter
region
2. Elongation: RNA polymerase adds
complementary RNA nucleotides
3. Termination: RNA polymerase detaches at the
terminator sequence

• Base pairing: A-U, T-A, G-C, C-G


Types of RNA Involved
• mRNA (Messenger RNA): Carries genetic code
• tRNA (Transfer RNA): Brings amino acids during
translation
• rRNA (Ribosomal RNA): Forms part of ribosomes
Translation - Purpose & Location
• Purpose: To synthesize proteins from mRNA
template
• Occurs in: Ribosomes (cytoplasm or rough ER)
• Key Players: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, amino acids
The Genetic Code
• Codon: A sequence of 3 mRNA bases
• Start Codon: AUG (codes for Methionine)
• Stop Codons: UAA, UAG, UGA
• Redundancy: Multiple codons may code for the
same amino acid
Steps in Translation
1. Initiation: Ribosome assembles at start codon
2. Elongation: tRNA brings amino acids matching
codons
3. Termination: Ribosome reaches stop codon;
protein is released
Closing Thoughts
• Life depends on accurate transfer of genetic
information
• Mutations in these processes can lead to evolution
—or disease
• The Central Dogma is central to all biology.

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