Within each gene, elements of DNA are arranged in a particular order, forming a code that influences the synthesis of particular proteins. This code affects every aspect of the body, from its structure to the chemicals that keep it running. The above process describes:
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The above process describes the central dogma of molecular biology, which states that information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
In more detail, genes are specific sequences of DNA that contain instructions for making proteins, which are essential molecules that perform various functions in the body. Within each gene, the elements of DNA, called nucleotides, are arranged in a specific order. This order serves as a code that determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
The first step in the central dogma is the transcription. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is "transcribed" into a molecule called messenger RNA (mRNA) by an enzyme called RNA polymerase. The mRNA is a single-stranded copy of the gene sequence that can leave the nucleus of the cell.
Next is the translation step, where the mRNA carries the genetic code to the ribosomes, which act as the protein synthesis factories of the cell. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome based on the codons (three-nucleotide sequences) in the mRNA. The sequence of codons in the mRNA is read, and the corresponding amino acids are brought by tRNA molecules and linked together to form a polypeptide chain. This chain folds into a specific shape to become a functional protein.
The synthesis of proteins based on the information encoded in DNA is essential for maintaining the structure, function, and processes of the body, making it a crucial aspect of biological processes.