The central dogma of molecular biology describes the two-step process, transcription and

translation, by which the information in genes flows into proteins: DNA → RNA →
protein.

Transcription is the synthesis of an RNA copy of a segment of DNA. RNA is synthesized by the
enzyme RNA polymerase.

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In: Facts In the Cell

What is the 'Central Dogma'?

The ‘Central Dogma’ is the process by which the instructions in DNA are converted into a
functional product. It was first proposed in 1958 by Francis Crick, discoverer of the structure of
DNA.

 The central dogma of molecular biology explains the flow of genetic information, from
DNA ?to RNA?(A nucleic acid similar in structure and properties to DNA, but it only has
 a single strand of bases and instead of the base thymine (T), RNA has a base called uracil
(U). ), to make a functional product, a protein?.
 The central dogma suggests that DNA contains the information needed to make all of our
proteins, and that RNA is a messenger that carries this information to the ribosomes?.
 The ribosomes serve as factories in the cell where the information is ‘translated’ from a
code into the functional product.
 The process by which the DNA instructions are converted into the functional product is
called gene expression?.
 Gene expression has two key stages - transcription? and translation?.
 In transcription, the information in the DNA of every cell is converted into small,
portable RNA messages.
 During translation, these messages travel from where the DNA is in the cell nucleus to
the ribosomes where they are ‘read’ to make specific proteins.
 The central dogma states that the pattern of information that occurs most frequently in
our cells is:
o From existing DNA to make new DNA (DNA replication?)
o From DNA to make new RNA (transcription)
o From RNA to make new proteins (translation).
An illustration showing the flow of information between DNA, RNA and protein.
Image credit: Genome Research Limited

 Reverse transcription is the transfer of information from RNA to make new DNA, this
occurs in the case of retroviruses, such as HIV?. It is the process by which the genetic
information from RNA is assembled into new DNA.

Does the ‘Central Dogma’ always apply?

 With modern research it is becoming clear that some aspects of the central dogma are not
entirely accurate.
 Current research is focusing on investigating the function of non-coding RNA?.
 Although this does not follow the central dogma it still has a functional role in the cell.

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This page was last updated on 2016-01-25

What is DNA?
Facts

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a long molecule that contains our unique genetic code. Like a
recipe book it holds the instructions for making all the proteins in our bodies.

What is a cell?
Facts

Cells are the basic building blocks of living things. The human body is composed of trillions of
cells, all with their own specialised function.

What does DNA do?

Facts

The DNA code contains instructions needed to make the proteins and molecules essential for our
growth, development and health.