The Central Dogma of molecular biology defines the unidirectional flow of genetic information within a biological system, wherein DNA serves as the master blueprint that is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) within the nucleus, which is subsequently translated into polypeptide chains at the ribosome to form functional proteins. This mechanism operates through specific enzymatic and molecular interactions, including RNA polymerase for transcription and transfer RNA (tRNA) for translation, ensuring that genetic codons are accurately converted into amino acid sequences. The theory establishes proteins as the primary executors of cellular functions, emphasizing that the structural integrity of the resulting protein depends strictly on the fidelity of the underlying genetic code.
Prerequisite chain context: requires Proofreading Mechanisms in DNA Replication.