IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
WHAT IS CENTRAL DOGMA IN
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY?
- Is a model describing the way
information stored in our DNA is
converted into a functional product
such as a protein
WHAT IS CENTRAL DOGMA IN
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY?
- Central Dogma are essential for all
life process. It follows a one-
directional pathway
Short History
Who is Francis Crick?
Francis Crick Introduced The
Central Dogma 1958
Short History
Scientist Howard Temin and David
Baltimore discovered an exception
called reverse transcription (1970)
IMPORTANCE Why it's important?
It Explain how genes work
It is the basis of biotechnology
It helps in medicine and disease
research
It help us understand Mutations
and evolution
It is useful in Forensic Science
DNA
Replication Anology
DNA
REPLICATION
-It is the process of creating an identical
copy of a DNA molecule.
-A complex process that requires the
coordinated action of several enzymes.
1. HELICASE – (The Unbinder) Unwinds
the DNA double helix by breaking the
hydrogen bonds between base pairs
creating a replication fork ( Y- shaped
structure).
2.SINGLE-STRAND BINDING
PROTEINS– (The Holders) Stabilize
and protect the single stranded DNA
during replication.
3. TOPOISOMERASE (The Tension
Reliever) Relieves the tension in the
DNA molecule caused by unwinding.
Prevents supercoiling, which can
impede replication
4. PRIMASE – (The Bookmark Placer)
Synthesizes short RNA primers,
which are essential for initiating
DNA replication.
DNA POLYMERASE–
(The main Copyist) Reads and
writes preecise copy of DNA . It
adds nucleotides to the new DNA
strand, using the template strand
as a guide and following the
instructions on the sticky notes or
the Primase.
TWO DIFFERENT
WORKFLOWS/
DIRECTION:
• 5' to 3' polymerase activity
(Leading Strand or Smooth
Copying)
•3' to 5' exonuclease activity -
results into Okazaki Fragments or
short sections. (Lagging Strand or
Puzzle Piece Copying)
RNASE H & DNA
POLYMERASE I
(The Editor) Once the rough draft is
complete, an editor removes the sticky
notes (RNA primers) and fills the gaps
with the correct words (DNA
nucleotides).
DNA LIGASE
( The Final Binder)
- Joins the Okazaki fragments (short
sections) on the lagging strand.
- Seals the nicks in the DNA
backbone, creating a continuous
strand.
END RESULT:
A PERFECT COPY
Now, two identical copies of the
DNA exist, ready to be passed
on without losing any
information.
IMPORTANCE
DNA replication is the foundation
of the central dogma because it
guarantees the continuity and
accuracy of genetic information.
Without replication, transcription
and translation would not
function properly, ultimately
disrupting protein synthesis and
cellular processes.
TRANSCRIPTION
WHAT IS
TRANSCRIPTION
Transcription is the process of
copying genetic information from
DNA to RNA. It occurs in the
nucleus (eukaryotes) or cytoplasm
(prokaryotes) and is the first step in
gene expression.
STEPS OF
TRANSCRIPTION
Initiation – RNA polymerase binds to
the promoter region of the DNA and
unwinds the double helix.
STEPS OF
TRANSCRIPTION
Elongation – RNA polymerase moves
along the DNA template, adding RNA
nucleotides (A, U, C, G) to form mRNA.
STEPS OF
TRANSCRIPTION
Termination – RNA polymerase
reaches a stop signal (terminator
sequence), and the newly made
mRNA detaches.
STEPS OF
TRANSCRIPTION
Processing (Eukaryotes Only) – The
mRNA is modified (cap, tail, and
splicing) before leaving the nucleus
for translation.
TRANSCRIPTION
This process ensures that genetic
instructions from DNA are converted into a
form that can be read by ribosomes to
make proteins.
IN THE
BEGINING:DNA
PRODUCT:MRNA
Translation – From Nucleotide Sequence to
Amino Acid Chain
"Decoding the Genetic Information into
Proteins"re and function of DNA”
Translation occurs in the cytoplasm,
primarily on ribosomes. Requires
three main types of RNA:
mRNA (messenger RNA) –
carries genetic
instructions.
tRNA (transfer RNA) –
brings amino acids to the
ribosome.
rRNA (ribosomal RNA) –
forms ribosomes and
catalyzes peptide bond
formation.
Genetic Code and Codons
mRNA is read in sets of three nucleotides
(codons).
Each codon specifies a particular amino acid
or a stop signal.
Start Codon: AUG (Methionine) – signals the
start of translation.
Stop Codons: UAA, UAG, UGA – signal the end
of translation. The genetic code is universal
and redundant (degenerate).
Translation: Step 1 – Initiation
The small ribosomal subunit binds to the
mRNA.
The start codon (AUG) is recognized by a tRNA
carrying Methionine (Met).
The large ribosomal subunit then attaches,
forming a complete ribosome.
Translation begins at the P-site of the
ribosome.
Translation: Step 1 – Initiation The
small ribosomal subunit binds to the
mRNA.
The start codon (AUG) is recognized
by a tRNA carrying Methionine (Met).
The large ribosomal subunit then
attaches, forming a complete
ribosome.
Translation begins at the P-site of the
ribosome.
Translation: Step 2 – Elongation
The next tRNA binds to the A-site,
matching the mRNA codon.
A peptide bond forms between amino
acids at the P-site and A-site.
The ribosome shifts (translocates),
moving the tRNA from A → P and P →
E.
The process repeats, elongating the
polypeptide chain.
Translation: Step 3 – Termination
A stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA) is
reached.
Release factor proteins bind to the
stop codon, signaling the end.
The newly made polypeptide chain is
released.
The ribosome disassembles.
Post-Translational Modifications
After translation, proteins may need
modifications to become functional:
Folding – Assisted by chaperone
proteins.
Chemical modifications – Addition of
phosphate, sugar, or lipid groups.
Cleavage – Some proteins are cut into
smaller active forms.
Summary of Translation
Translation converts mRNA into
proteins.
Three main steps: Initiation,
Elongation, Termination.
Ribosomes, tRNA, and rRNA play key
roles.
The genetic code is read in codons.
Proteins undergo modifications after
translation.
The Speed of Translation
A ribosome can add 15-20 amino
acids per second in bacteria!
In humans, it is about 6-8 amino acids
per second.
Some proteins can be thousands of
amino acids long.
THANK YOU!!!
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