central dogma

molecular biology

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July 20, 2026

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The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. This process begins with DNA, which contains the genetic instructions. These instructions are first transcribed into RNA, a process called transcription. Subsequently, this RNA molecule is translated into protein, which carries out various functions within the cell. In rare cases, such as with retroviruses, information can flow from RNA back to DNA through a process called reverse transcription.1234

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reverse transcriptase
Early retrovirus observations
…biology known as the “central dogma.” This asserted that DNA is first transcribed into RNA, RNA is translated into amino acids, and amino acids assemble into long chains, called polypeptides, that make up proteins—the functional units of cellular life. However, while this central dogma is true, as with many…
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…biology known as the “central dogma.” This asserted that DNA is first transcribed into RNA, RNA is translated into amino acids, and amino acids assemble into long chains, called polypeptides, that make up proteins—the functional units of cellular life. However, while this central dogma is true, as with many…
Read More