Name: central dogma: dna to protein
Uploaded: 2025-05-22T09:05:54.000Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Georgia Standards of Excellence

9-12

Biology

SB2.a

The Central Dogma

The central dogma of molecular biology states that the information encoded in DNA is transferred to RNA, which then directs the synthesis of proteins based on these instructions.
First, during transcription, DNA is used as a template to synthesize messenger RNA or mRNA.
The mRNA represents a copy of the coding strand of DNA, except that the thymines are replaced with uracils.
Next, the mRNA is translated into a chain of amino acids by a ribosome.
Here, groups of three nucleotides on mRNA, also known as codons, bind to complementary sequences or anticodons on the transfer RNA or tRNA molecules.
Each tRNA is attached to a particular amino acid, depending on the specific codon.
For example, the codon CCA binds to a tRNA attached to proline, while AGC binds to a tRNA attached to serine.
In this way, the genetic code specifies the order of amino acids in the resulting polypeptide, which is further processed to become a functional protein.

the central dogma

The central dogma explains the flow of genetic information from DNA nucleotides to the amino acid sequence of proteins.
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is directly converted into its encoded protein. Two crucial discoveries in eukaryotic cells challenged this theory. First, protein production does not occur in the nucleus. Second, DNA is not present outside the nucleus. These findings sparked the search for an intermediary molecule that connects DNA with protein production. This intermediary molecule was found to be RNA.
RNA is synthesized in the nucleus using DNA as a template. The newly-synthesized RNA is similar in sequence to the DNA strand, except thymine is replaced by uracil. In eukaryotes, this primary transcript is further processed, removing the protein non-coding regions, capping the 5&#39; end, and adding a 3&#39; poly-A tail, to create mature mRNA, which is then exported to the cytoplasm.
The Genetic Code is Redundant
Proteins are created from 20 amino acids in eukaryotes. Combining four nucleotides in sets of three provides 64 (43) possible codons.This means that more than one codon can encode an individual amino acid. Thus, the genetic code is said to be redundant or degenerate. Often, but not always, codons that specify the same amino acids differ only in the third nucleotide of the triplet. For example, the codons GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG all represent the amino acid valine. However, AUG is the only codon that represents the amino acid methionine. The codon AUG is also the codon where protein synthesis starts and is, therefore, called the start codon. Redundancy in the system minimizes the harmful effects of mutations. For instance, an alteration at the third position of the codon might not necessarily change the amino acid encoded, thereby, causing no change in the protein functionality.
The Genetic Code is Universal
With a few exceptions, most prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms use the same genetic code for protein synthesis. This universality of the genetic code has enabled advances in scientific research in the field of agriculture and medicine. For instance, human insulin can now be manufactured on a large scale in bacteria using recombinant DNA technology. Recombinant DNA technology involves the use of genetic material from different species. Genes encoding human insulin are joined with bacterial DNA and inserted into a bacterial cell. The bacterial cell then performs transcription and translation to produce the human insulin protein, which can treat diabetes in patients.

The central dogma explains the flow of genetic information from DNA nucleotides to the amino acid sequence of proteins.
RNA is the Missing Link Between ...

Education

JoVE Core

Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1

Essential Cellular Processes

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

central dogma: dna to protein

The central dogma explains how genetic information flows in cells from DNA to RNA to protein. It is a core idea in molecular biology and helps show how genes influence cell function.

DNA stores the instructions. During transcription, a cell copies a gene into RNA, which is a related nucleic acid. That RNA message can then be used in translation to build a protein.

Proteins carry out many jobs in cells and help determine traits. The central dogma links the genetic code in DNA to the molecules that do most of the work in living systems.

Central Dogma: DNA to Protein

The central dogma explains how genetic information flows in cells from DNA to RNA to protein. It is a core idea in molecular biology and helps show how genes influence cell function. DNA stores the instructions. During transcription, a cell copies a gene into RNA, which is a related nucleic acid. That RNA message can then be used in translation to build a protein. Proteins carry out many jobs in cells and help determine traits. The central dogma links the genetic code in DNA to the molecules...

replication in eukaryotes

Eukaryotic DNA Copying at the Replication Fork

Eukaryotic DNA copying happens at replication forks, where the two DNA strands separate and new strands are built. This process lets a cell make an exact copy of its genetic material before it divides. The transcript explains that eukaryotic replication follows the same basic steps seen in other DNA replication systems, but it takes place in cells with a nucleus. The replication machinery works on each separated strand as a template, so the new DNA matches the original sequence. This topic is...

types of rna

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RNA types play different roles in gene expression. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, helps carry and use genetic information in cells. The main types discussed here are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA. Messenger RNA, or mRNA, carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome. The ribosome is the site where proteins are made. Ribosomal RNA, or rRNA, is a key part of the ribosome itself. Transfer RNA, or tRNA, brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein building. These...

transcription

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Transcription is the process of making RNA from a DNA template. It is a key step in gene expression, because cells use the DNA sequence to build an RNA copy that can carry the message forward. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and reads one strand as the template. The enzyme links RNA nucleotides together in the correct order to form a growing RNA molecule. This copying step does not make DNA; it produces RNA. The transcript focuses on the central idea of transcription as DNA...

translation

Translation: mRNA to Protein

Translation is the step in gene expression where ribosomes use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to build a protein. The mRNA sequence carries the instructions copied from DNA. During translation, those instructions are read in order so the cell can make a specific chain of amino acids. This process depends on the ribosome and transfer RNA, or tRNA. The ribosome reads the mRNA, and tRNA brings the matching amino acids. As the chain grows, the amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide, which...

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Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when a cell grows and prepares to divide. It is a major stage of the cell cycle, and it comes before cell division begins. During interphase, the cell carries out its normal functions. It also copies its DNA so each new cell can receive a full set of genetic material. The cell may also build up the materials it needs for division. Interphase is not a single step. It includes phases such as G1, S, and G2, which help the cell grow, copy DNA, and get...

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the cell cycle control system

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cyclin Control

The cell cycle is controlled by checkpoints that help a cell move from one phase to the next and begin mitosis. This control system uses internal regulatory molecules and outside signals to send stop or advance instructions. It makes sure each step is finished before the cell moves forward. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, are the main regulators of the cell cycle. They act during the G1, G2, and M phases. These regulators work at specific checkpoints to keep cell division...

molecular factors affecting cell division

molecular-factors-affecting-cell-division

Cell Cycle Regulators That Control Division

Cell division is controlled by outside signals and by internal cell cycle regulators. Nearby cell death can encourage division, and human growth hormone (hGH) can also promote it. In contrast, too little hGH or crowded cells can slow or stop division. Inside the cell, regulator molecules help each stage finish correctly before the next stage begins. Some regulators act directly on the cycle, while others affect the activity or production of other regulatory proteins. These molecules can either...

what is meiosis?

Meiosis and the Formation of Gametes

Meiosis is the cell division process that forms gametes, or sex cells. It reduces the chromosome number so offspring can inherit the correct amount of genetic material. This process includes two successive divisions. First, one cell divides, and then the resulting cells divide again. These steps separate the genetic material in a controlled way. Meiosis helps explain how sexual reproduction passes traits from one generation to the next. It is a key topic in high school biology because it...

overview of cell signaling

Cell Signaling Pathways and Responses

Cell signaling pathways and responses help cells communicate and react to changes. Cells send signals to one another, and those signals can trigger a specific response in the target cell. A signal usually begins when a signaling molecule reaches a cell with the right receptor, which is a protein that receives the message. The receptor helps the cell recognize the signal and start the communication process. Inside the cell, the message can move through a signaling pathway. This pathway passes...

types of signaling molecules

Chemical Messengers in Cell Signaling

Chemical messengers help cells communicate during signaling. These signaling molecules carry information from one cell to another and guide how cells respond. Some signaling molecules are gases, while others are proteins or peptides. Small lipids can also act as signals. In addition, cells may use steroids, amino acids, and even ions as signaling molecules. Each type of signaling molecule has different properties and works in a different way. Together, these molecules let cells send specific...

g protein-coupled receptors

G Protein-coupled Receptor Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors are a major class of cell-surface receptors. They help cells detect signals outside the cell and pass that information inward. These receptors are important in many kinds of cell communication. When a signal binds to a G protein-coupled receptor, the receptor changes shape. That change activates a G protein inside the cell. The activated G protein can then start a signaling pathway. This signaling system includes the receptor, the G protein, and the downstream...

cellular differentiation

From Stem Cell to Specialized Cells

Cellular differentiation turns unspecialized cells into specialized cells with specific jobs. This process helps a complex organism, such as a human, develop from a single fertilized egg into a body with many cell types. Nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells are examples of the final cell types that appear during development. A zygote is the first cell after fertilization. It is a totipotent stem cell, which means it has very high differentiation potential and can form all cell types...

key terms and concepts

Explore the central dogma and how genetic information moves from DNA to RNA to protein. Learn how transcription and translation connect genes to proteins.

Central Dogma: DNA to Protein | JoVE K12

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Central Dogma: DNA to Protein

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