4.5: Central Dogma
- Page ID
- 1483
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Is it always DNA to RNA to proteins?
The central dogma of molecular biology. Coined by Francis Crick. And in his own words, "I called this idea the central dogma, for two reasons, I suspect. I had already used the obvious word hypothesis in the sequence hypothesis, and in addition I wanted to suggest that this new assumption was more central and more powerful."
Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
Your DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the genes that determine who you are. How can this organic molecule control your characteristics? DNA contains instructions for all the proteins your body makes. Proteins, in turn, determine the structure and function of all your cells. What determines a protein’s structure? It begins with the sequence of amino acids that make up the protein. Instructions for making proteins with the correct sequence of amino acids are encoded in DNA.
DNA is found in chromosomes. In eukaryotic cells, chromosomes always remain in the nucleus, but proteins are made at ribosomes in the cytoplasm. How do the instructions in DNA get to the site of protein synthesis outside the nucleus? Another type of nucleic acid is responsible. This nucleic acid is RNA, or ribonucleic acid. RNA is a small molecule that can squeeze through pores in the nuclear membrane. It carries the information from DNA in the nucleus to a ribosome in the cytoplasm and then helps assemble the protein. In short:
DNA → RNA → Protein
Discovering this sequence of events was a major milestone in molecular biology. It is called the central dogma of molecular biology. The two processes involved in the central dogma are transcription and translation, which are discussed in additional concepts.
Summary
- The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA contains instructions for making a protein, which are copied by RNA.
- RNA then uses the instructions to make a protein.
- In short: DNA → RNA → Protein, or DNA to RNA to Protein.
Review
- State the central dogma of molecular biology.
- What are transcription and translation?
- Explain the central dogma of molecular biology.
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