The “central dogma” is a supposedly firm principle that explains how genes function in cells. With the emergence of AIDS, the central dogma has come into question because of the ability of the AIDS virus to convert RNA into DNA. What is the central dogma and why has the principle come into question
<<The Central Dogma: DNA Encodes RNA, RNA Encodes Protein. The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information in cells from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA) to protein. It states that genes specify the sequence of mRNA molecules, which in turn specify the sequence of proteins .>>
<< It doesn't really deviate from the updated central dogma. The deviation you are referring to is the transfer of information from RNA to DNA. The conventional central dogma stated that information travels unidirectionally from DNA to RNA to Proteins. Since HIV goes from RNA to DNA it is regarded a deviation. This process of going RNA to DNA is called reverse transcription.
HIV has a RNA genome. after infection, this RNA makes a complementary DNA strands. This then becomes a double-stranded DNA molecule which gets integrated into the host DNA molecule. >>
The central dogma of molecular biology is a fundamental principle that describes the flow of genetic information within a cell. It states that the information in DNA is transcribed into RNA, and then the RNA is translated into proteins.
According to this principle, DNA serves as the permanent storage of genetic information, and RNA acts as an intermediary molecule that carries this information from the DNA to the protein synthesis machinery. Proteins are the functional molecules within cells that perform various tasks, such as enzyme activity, cellular signaling, and structural support.
The emergence of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has raised questions about the central dogma. HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it converts its RNA genome into DNA using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the genome of the infected cell.
This reverse transcription step challenges the traditional understanding of the central dogma, as it implies that genetic information can flow from RNA back to DNA. In the case of HIV, the virus converts its RNA genome into DNA, which can be transcribed into RNA again and translated into viral proteins. This process of reverse transcription is unique to retroviruses like HIV and is not observed in normal cellular processes.
While this discovery challenges the central dogma, it is important to note that the principle still holds true for the vast majority of genetic processes in cells. DNA generally serves as the template for RNA synthesis, and RNA is typically translated into proteins. However, the existence of exceptions like retroviruses, such as HIV, reminds us that nature can sometimes defy the usual rules and can lead to further advancements in our understanding of molecular biology.
The central dogma refers to the concept that genetic information flows in one direction: from DNA to RNA to protein. According to this principle, genetic information is stored in the DNA, which is transcribed into RNA, and then translated into proteins. This process governs the functioning of genes in cells.
However, the emergence of AIDS has raised questions regarding the central dogma, specifically with regard to the ability of the AIDS virus (HIV) to convert RNA into DNA. HIV is a retrovirus, meaning it carries RNA as its genetic material instead of DNA. It uses an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA into DNA, which can then be integrated into the host's DNA.
This ability of HIV to reverse transcribe its RNA into DNA challenges the central dogma since it implies that genetic information can flow in reverse, from RNA to DNA. This process is known as reverse transcription and is not typically observed in the normal functioning of genes in cells.
The discovery of this exception with retroviruses like HIV has led scientists to revisit and refine the central dogma. While the central dogma still provides a basic framework for understanding gene function, it is now recognized that certain viruses can deviate from this pathway through mechanisms like reverse transcription.