The Flow of Genetic Information

Genetic information is stored in DNA and used to make proteins, the workhorses of the cell. This process involves two key steps: transcription and translation.

Transcription

DNA is used as a template to make messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus. Enzymes called RNA polymerases read the DNA and build the RNA strand.

Translation

The mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to a ribosome, where it's read to assemble a chain of amino acids, creating a protein.

Regulation of Gene Expression

Not all genes are active all the time. Cells control gene expression through promoters, repressors, enhancers, and environmental signals.

Central Dogma

The central dogma of molecular biology is:

\[ \text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein} \]

Real-World Connections

• Mutations in DNA can cause diseases by making faulty proteins.
• Understanding gene expression helps scientists develop treatments, like gene therapy.