What is the central dogma of biology?

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It primarily deals with the processes of how information encoded in <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/DNA">DNA</a> is used to create functional products, namely proteins.

The central dogma, in its simplest and most commonly understood form, outlines the following key processes:

1. Replication: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/DNA%20replication">DNA replication</a> is the process where DNA makes copies of itself. This is essential for cell division and inheritance, as it ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genetic material.

2. Transcription: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Transcription">Transcription</a> is the process where the information encoded in DNA is copied into a messenger molecule called RNA (specifically mRNA - messenger RNA). This is where the genetic code is transcribed from DNA to RNA.

3. Translation: <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Translation">Translation</a> is the process where the information encoded in mRNA is used to synthesize a protein. Ribosomes, using tRNA (transfer RNA) to bring the correct amino acids, "read" the mRNA sequence and assemble the amino acids in the correct order to form a polypeptide chain, which folds into a functional protein.

Therefore, the central dogma is often summarized as:

DNA → RNA → Protein

While this represents the core idea, it's important to note that there are exceptions and additions to this simplified model. For instance, reverse transcription (RNA → DNA) occurs in retroviruses, and some RNA molecules have direct functional roles (e.g., tRNA, rRNA, microRNA) without being translated into protein. The central dogma is therefore a guiding principle and not an absolute law.