Final answer:
The Central Dogma of Genetics refers to the principle that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins, involving transcription and translation processes. This concept underlines that DNA provides the instructions for mRNA, which then guides protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Central Dogma of Genetics
The term Central Dogma of Genetics pertains to the principle that dictates the flow of genetic information within biological systems. It states that genetic information typically follows a directional path from DNA to RNA to proteins. This concept was coined by Francis Crick and emphasizes the idea that DNA contains instructions for protein synthesis. These instructions are transcribed to mRNA in a process known as transcription. Subsequently, the mRNA serves as a template for protein synthesis during the process called translation. The genetic code is a triplet code, where three consecutive nucleotides form a codon, dictating one specific amino acid in the resulting protein.
It’s essential to note that while the central dogma generally holds true, there are exceptions such as reverse transcription in some viruses. Moreover, the same genetic code detailed in the central dogma is universally shared among almost all organisms, with minor variations in mitochondria and certain microorganisms.
The discovery of this sequence of events, encompassing both transcription and translation, was a pivotal achievement in molecular biology and continues to be a foundational concept in the field.