The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
DNA holds the code.
It is a long molecule.
It lives in the nucleus.
RNA copies the code.
The copy is called messenger RNA.
It leaves the nucleus.
Ribosomes read the message.
They link amino acids.
A protein forms.
The flow is one‑way.
DNA → RNA → protein.
Transcription
An enzyme opens DNA.
RNA polymerase reads one strand.
It builds a strand of RNA.
The RNA is a mirror image.
Translation
Ribosomes bind the RNA.
Transfer RNA brings amino acids.
Each three bases code for one amino acid.
The chain folds into a protein.
Key Points
- DNA is the template.
- RNA is the messenger.
- Proteins are the final product.
Why it matters
Cells use the dogma to make all proteins.
Proteins perform most functions.
Errors can cause disease.
Exceptions
Some viruses use reverse transcription.
RNA can be edited after transcription.
The central dogma is a simple map.
It guides research and medicine.
It shows how life stores and uses information.
CMP Bio World 