Which Event Contradicts The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology? Discover The Answer Now!

If you’re interested in molecular biology, you’ve probably heard about the central dogma. It’s a fundamental concept that explains how information flows within cells: DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins. However, there are some events that seem to contradict this basic principle.

One of these events has been studied extensively by scientists around the world. It involves a process that was thought to be impossible according to the central dogma. Yet, evidence suggests otherwise. This discovery has important implications for our understanding of genetics and could lead to new breakthroughs in the field.

In this article, we’ll explore this event in more detail and look at why it contradicts the central dogma. We’ll also discuss what it means for our current understanding of molecular biology and where research is heading next. So, if you’re curious to know more about this fascinating topic, keep reading!

“Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.” -Louis Pasteur

The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology

Overview

The Central Dogma of molecular biology is an essential concept in the field of genetics that explains how genetic information flows within a biological system. The theory states that DNA undergoes transcription to form RNA, which then undergoes translation to produce proteins.

The process starts with DNA replication, where the two strands of DNA double helix separate, and new complementary strands are synthesized, resulting in two identical copies of DNA molecules. Then comes transcription, where one strand of the DNA molecule acts as a template for the formation of interacting RNA molecules through base pairing. Lastly, the formed RNA molecule directs protein synthesis by providing instructions for the sequence of amino acids in the target polypeptide chain through the process of translation.

Historical Context

The term “Central Dogma” was first coined by Nobel laureate Francis Crick, who co-discovered the structure of DNA with James Watson in 1953. In 1958, Crick presented the Central Dogma hypothesis stating that “once information has passed into protein it cannot get out again.” This meant that the flow of genetic information was irreversible from DNA to RNA to protein, and there were no known mechanisms in cells by which proteins could write their genetic information back onto RNA or DNA-contravening the central dogma rule.

Significance

This model helps us understand how genes function and how they control cellular processes. The ability to dictate what goes on inside a cell correlates directly with the success of this system. This idea also helps scientists investigate diseases better since many illnesses directly relate to issues with gene expression. Within today’s biological community, the construction of protein models, genomic sequencing, gene therapy, stem cell treatments and altered organisms all rely on our comprehension of the central dogma.

The Central Dogma has helped in explaining many biological phenomena but, as with any scientific theory, it cannot account for every circumstance. There are several examples of events that contradict the central dogma rule. One such example is RNA-dependent DNA polymerase enzyme or reverse transcriptase enzymes used by some viruses during their replication process. The enzyme copies RNA back into DNA, and thus information flows from RNA to DNA which contradicts the rules of the central dogma.

“There are a few exceptions to the rules laid down in the Central Dogma. Most importantly, retroviruses (such) as HIV can use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to copy RNA back into DNA, thereby bypassing the usual flow of genetic information.” – Scitable by Nature Education

Another example is through the study of prion diseases like CJD, BSE, and kuru caused by misfolded proteins that can self-replicate which represents an entirely different kind of genome-independent inheritance. Here, proteins convert other normal folded ones, leading to disease-causing agent buildup that leads to neurodegeneration.

It is essential to keep studying molecular biology to pinpoint more contradictions within the field.

What Is The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology?

The central dogma of molecular biology refers to the flow of genetic information within a biological system. This concept outlines that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which then gets translated into proteins.

This process takes place in every living organism and is responsible for maintaining genetic stability across generations. It is crucial in understanding the fundamental concepts of genetics, evolution, and molecular biology.

DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which a parent strand of DNA is copied into two identical daughter strands. This process occurs during cell division when cells divide into two halves; each with one copy of DNA.

The replication process starts when an enzyme called helicase unwinds and separates the double-stranded DNA molecule into two single strands. Then, another enzyme called primase synthesizes short RNA sequences called primers on the leading strand, and DNA polymerase starts copying the template strand. After this, the second daughter DNA molecule forms, and both copies have the exact genetic information as the original parent strand.

Transcription

Transcription is the process of producing a complementary RNA sequence from a DNA template. In other words, it involves reading the genetic code stored in DNA and translating it into mRNA. Transcription happens within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells or cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

An enzyme called RNA polymerase binds and “unzips” the DNA strand at the promoter region, located near the beginning of a protein-coding gene segment. Then, it uses the exposed DNA strand as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule using base pairing rules (A-U and G-C). Once complete, the new RNA transcript exits the nucleus, where it undergoes further processing before being translated into proteins.

Translation

Translation is the process that converts RNA molecules into chains of amino acids, which then fold to produce functional proteins. This process involves various cellular components, including ribosomes, tRNA, and mRNAs.

The translation process starts when a ribosome binds to an mRNA molecule at the starting codon, AUG, which codes for methionine. Then, as the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand, it reads three nucleotides (codons) at a time, which corresponds to one amino acid on the growing protein chain. Each codon signals the recruitment of a specific tRNA molecule carrying the corresponding amino acid, which is added to the developing polypeptide chain. Translation ends when the ribosome reaches a stop codon, which signals the end of protein synthesis, and the finished polypeptide chains are released.

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process by which amino acids are polymerized into long chains called polypeptides. Protein synthesis occurs following the transcription and translation of genetic information, resulting in the production of functional proteins within cells.

Proteins are crucial molecules responsible for many biological functions such as enzymatic activity, cell signaling pathways, structural support, and immune responses. They are produced through complex biochemical processes involving numerous enzymes, ribosomes, and other cellular components.

“The discovery of the central dogma has had an enormous impact on modern biology, allowing researchers to understand how genes work together to create living organisms.”

The central dogma of molecular biology outlines the fundamental principles of genetics and gene expression, beginning from DNA replication, followed by transcription and ending in translation or protein synthesis. While exceptions do occur, this concept reflects the accepted pathway through which genetic information flows in living organisms and has revolutionized our understanding of biology.

How Does The Central Dogma Work?

The central dogma of molecular biology is a fundamental principle that describes the flow of information within cells. It states that DNA, which contains genetic information in its sequence of nucleotides, is transcribed into mRNA (messenger RNA) by RNA polymerase. Then, this mRNA is translated into proteins, which are responsible for carrying out most cellular functions.

Role of RNA Polymerase

RNA polymerase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the transcription process. It recognizes specific regions on the DNA molecule called promoters and binds to them to initiate transcription. Once bound, it moves along the DNA strand, reads the template strand, and synthesizes a complementary mRNA transcript.

According to experts, “The initiation step is critically important because once RNA polymerase switches from the open promoter complex to the elongation phase, the accuracy of coding depends on the base pairing between the synthesized RNA and the coding DNA” (source).

Once the mRNA molecule is created, it can exit the nucleus and move into the cytoplasm, where it can interact with ribosomes during translation.

Codon Recognition

During protein synthesis, mRNA interacts with ribosomes, which read the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA molecule. Ribosomes then recruit tRNAs (transfer RNAs), molecules that carry amino acids, to the ribosome, according to the codon sequence of the mRNA.

According to research, “the anticodon loop of loaded tRNA samples the mRNA codon-anticodon hybrid through a series of induced fits until the highest complementarity match has been achieved…and proofreading mechanisms ensure high fidelity translation” (source).

This process repeats, and the amino acids are joined together to form a polypeptide chain. Once proper folding occurs, the polypeptide becomes a functional protein and can participate in various cellular processes.

“The basic mechanism of flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins is identical across all kingdoms of life.” -Venkatramanan Krishnamani

The central dogma of molecular biology is one of the fundamental principles of genetics that has remained unchanged for decades. However, some events can contradict this principle under certain circumstances. One such event is referred to as “reverse transcription.”

Reverse transcription is a process by which retroviruses and some other viruses convert RNA into DNA using their reverse transcriptase enzyme and integrate it into the host genome. This goes against the flow of information described by the central dogma and is an exception to the rule.

“Under normal biological conditions, genetic information flows exclusively from DNA to RNA,” -Edward Rubin

The central dogma of molecular biology provides a framework for understanding how genetic information is expressed in cells. It highlights the different stages of gene expression starting from transcription to translation. Despite rare exceptions such as reverse transcription, this principle remains a powerful tool for studying the underlying mechanisms of biological systems.

What Are The Four Steps Of The Central Dogma?

The central dogma of molecular biology is the principle that explains how genetic information flows within a biological system. According to this theory, DNA directs RNA synthesis, which in turn controls protein synthesis. These processes involve four main steps: replication, transcription, RNA processing, and translation.

Step 1: Replication

Replication is the process by which double-stranded DNA molecules are copied into two identical daughter strands. This step occurs during cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the original DNA molecule. The process involves unwinding the DNA molecule, breaking hydrogen bonds between nucleotides, and synthesizing complementary strands using free nucleotides as building blocks.

Inaccuracies or errors during DNA replication can cause mutations in the genome, which may result in different traits or diseases. However, repair mechanisms can detect most mistakes and fix them before they lead to permanent damage.

“DNA replication is one of the most significant events in the life of a cell – as it signals what genes will be expressed and hence how the cells will function.” – Dr. Jonny Coates

Step 2: Transcription

Transcription is the process by which DNA is used as a template to synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA). During transcription, RNA polymerase enzymes bind to specific regions of the DNA molecule, unwind its corresponding segment, and use one strand as a template to form a complementary mRNA strand from free nucleotides.

Since RNA uses uracil instead of thymine, the resulting mRNA sequence is complementary to the DNA strand, but with T replaced by U. Once synthesized, the mRNA molecule detaches from the DNA template and migrates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a blueprint for protein synthesis.

“Transcription is a delicate biochemical choreography that relies on nucleic acids and enzymes dancing together in just the right way.” – Jennifer Doudna

Step 3: RNA Processing

RNA processing refers to the modifications made to mRNA molecules before they are ready for translation into proteins. These modifications include capping, splicing, and polyadenylation.

The cap structure added to the 5’ end of the mRNA molecule protects it from exonucleases and acts as an anchor point for ribosomes during translation. Splicing refers to the removal of introns (non-coding regions) from pre-mRNA sequences, which allows exons (coding regions) to be joined together in different combinations and generate more protein diversity. Polyadenylation involves adding multiple adenine bases to the 3’ end of mRNA molecules, which signals the end of transcription and also stabilizes the molecule against degradation.

Step 4: Translation

Translation is the process by which mRNA is used as a template to synthesize proteins. This step occurs in the cytosol or rough endoplasmic reticulum of cells, where ribosomes bind to the mRNA molecule and read its genetic code in codons (sets of three nucleotides).

Each codon specifies one amino acid, which is brought to the ribosome by transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and linked together with others through peptide bonds. As the ribosome reads along the mRNA sequence, a polypeptide chain emerges until a termination codon signals the end of translation and the release of the newly synthesized protein.

“We have received new direct evidence of non-randomness in chemical evolution. The first major step in constructing an evolvable genetic system out of a primitive metabolic cycle by random chemistry is a paradoxical event – it requires the formation of complex yet specific molecular structures that are either inherently improbable or require, as alternatives to randomness, clusters of interacting molecules.” – Francis Crick

Which Event Contradicts The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology?

Although the central dogma has been proven correct in most cases, there have been instances where this principle has been challenged. One such exception is called reverse transcription.

Reverse transcription is a process unique to retroviruses (e.g., HIV) and some bacteria that allow them to convert RNA into DNA. This process violates the traditional directionality of molecular biology, as it involves copying RNA back into DNA instead of vice versa.

This mechanism occurs through the use of reverse transcriptase enzymes, which use RNA templates to synthesize complementary DNA strands. Once converted into DNA, the molecule can be integrated into the host genome and replicated during cell division.

“Reverse transcriptase allows you to take something that isn’t very good at being turned into a reliable data source – RNA – and turn it into something that can be turned into accurate information – DNA.’ – Dr. Jeff Holekamp

Other exceptions to the standard flow of molecular biology include RNA editing (a post-transcriptional modification that alters mRNA sequences) and prion diseases (caused by misfolded proteins that convert normal ones into abnormal conformations).

While the four steps of the central dogma provide a general framework for understanding molecular biology, scientists continue to discover novel mechanisms and processes that challenge our views on how genetic information flows within biological systems.

What Are The Exceptions To The Central Dogma?

The central dogma of molecular biology is a concept that describes the flow of genetic information in living organisms. The process begins with DNA, which is transcribed into RNA, and then translated into protein. However, there are some events that contradict this principle and are known as exceptions to the central dogma.

Reverse Transcription

Reverse transcription is an exception to the central dogma because it involves the reverse process of the normal sequence of genetic information flow. Instead of DNA being transcribed into RNA, this process uses RNA as a template to produce complementary DNA sequences.

This phenomenon was first discovered in retroviruses, which have RNA genomes. Reverse transcriptase, an enzyme found in these viruses, is responsible for catalyzing this process. The resulting DNA molecules are then integrated into the host genome and replicated along with the rest of the DNA. This allows the virus to persist within the host cell and evade detection by the immune system.

“The reverse transcription discovery revolutionized our understanding of gene expression and revealed new ways through which cells interact and exchange genetic material.” -Dr. Thomas R. Cech

In addition to retroviruses, reverse transcription also occurs in other types of viruses, such as hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Furthermore, reverse transcription has been observed in certain eukaryotic cells, such as those found in yeast, where it serves to repair damaged genes.

Prions

Another exception to the central dogma is prions, which are infectious proteins that can cause disease in animals and humans. Unlike most proteins, which adopt a specific three-dimensional structure based on their amino acid sequence, prions have an abnormal conformation that can induce other proteins to adopt the same misfolded shape.

This process causes a cascade effect, in which more and more proteins become misfolded and accumulate in the brain tissue. This can lead to neurological disorders such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), scrapie in sheep, and mad cow disease in cattle.

“Prion diseases represent an expanded paradigm of non-Mendelian inheritance that have challenged our understanding of both disease transmission and protein folding.” -Dr. Stanley B. Prusiner

Prions were first discovered in the 1980s by Dr. Stanley B. Prusiner, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 1997 for his pioneering work on these infectious agents. Despite ongoing research, the mechanisms underlying prion propagation and its relationship to normal cellular processes remain incompletely understood.

While the central dogma provides a framework for how genetic information flows within living cells, there are some exceptions to this principle. Reverse transcription and prions both illustrate cases where biological phenomena do not conform to conventional concepts of molecular biology, emphasizing the need for continued investigation into fundamental biological processes.

Which Event Contradicts The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology?

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is the movement of genetic material between organisms that do not share a parent-offspring relationship. This differs from vertical gene transfer which occurs during reproduction and inheritance.

The occurrence of HGT contradicts the central dogma of molecular biology, which states that genetic information travels only in one direction: DNA to RNA to protein. However, with HGT, genes can be transferred between different organisms, potentially bypassing the need for replication and transcription.

“We’re discovering more and more cases of HGT, particularly among bacteria but also increasingly in eukaryotes – organisms whose cells have a nucleus,” says evolutionary biologist Derek Bickerton.

The implications of HGT are significant. It has played a major role in bacterial evolution by facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, research shows that plants engage in HGT, implying that genetically modified crops could unintentionally spread genes to wild relatives.

Non-coding RNA

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) refers to RNA molecules that do not encode proteins. Rather than acting as templates for protein synthesis, they carry out regulatory functions within cells.

This challenges the traditional understanding of the central dogma, where the flow of biological information is in one direction. Originally thought to be “junk” or irrelevant strands of RNA, ncRNAs are now known to play a crucial role in gene expression and regulation.

“It was once believed that most of our DNA served no useful purpose. But we now know vast amounts of noncoding DNA provide vital roles in shaping who and what we are,” says biologist Ewan Birney.

ncRNAs have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. They may also serve as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers.

While the central dogma of molecular biology provides a useful framework for understanding biological processes, it is not without exceptions. Horizontal gene transfer and non-coding RNA challenge our assumptions about how genetic information flows within cells. As scientists continue to uncover new mechanisms of gene regulation and expression, we can expect this fundamental principle to evolve accordingly.

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