The central dogma of molecular biology explains how genetic information flows within a biological system — from DNA to RNA to protein.
It describes the basic process of gene expression, showing how the instructions in DNA are used to make proteins, which perform most of the functions in living cells.
Here’s the process step by step:
- Replication
- DNA makes an exact copy of itself.
- This ensures genetic information is passed accurately during cell division.
- Transcription
- The information in DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).
- This occurs in the nucleus of plant cells.
- The mRNA carries the genetic message from the DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
- Translation
- The mRNA is read by ribosomes, and the sequence of codons is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a protein.
- This occurs in the cytoplasm.
In short:
DNA → RNA → Protein
Meaning:
- DNA stores genetic information.
- RNA carries and interprets that information.
- Proteins are the final products that carry out cell functions like growth, repair, and metabolism.
This concept shows how genetic information is expressed and how it directs the structure and function of all living organisms, including plants.