Lesson 1

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to:
• describe the building blocks of DNA, RNA and proteins;
• identify the structural and functional differences between DNA and RNA

1.1 Central Dogma

Definition 1.1 Central Dogma

The central dogma of molecular biology has something to do with the basic
framework for how genetic information flows from a DNA sequence to a protein
product inside cells.

Remarks:

This process of genetic information flowing from DNA to RNA to protein is called gene
expression.

1.2 Flow of genetic information

Definition 1.2 .1 Flow of genetic information

Central Dogma : DNA > RNA > protein

• Transcription: DNA > RNA
• Translation: RNA > protein
*Ribosome – site of protein synthesis

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 Definition 1.2.2 Flow of Genetic Information in Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Both types of organisms follow a pattern called semi-conservative

replication. In this pattern, the individual strands of DNA are manufactured in
different directions, producing a leading and a lagging strand. Lagging strands are
created by the production of small DNA fragments called Okazaki fragments that
are eventually joined together. Both types of organisms also begin new DNA
strands with a small primer of RNA.

Differences:
Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
• Transcription and translation • Transcription in nucleus;
both in cytoplasm Translation in cytoplasm
• DNA/RNA in cytoplasm • DNA in nucleus, RNA travels
• RNA polymerase binds directly in/out of the nucleus
to promoter region • RNA polymerase binds with
• Transcription makes mRNA TATA box and transcription
(not processed) factors
• No introns • Transcription makes pre-mRNA
that undergoes RNA
processing and become the
final mRNA
• With exons and introns (cut out)

1.3 The Discovery of DNA

Definition 1.3 The Discovery of DNA

The work of many scientists over nearly a century led to the discovery that
DNA, not protein, stores hereditary information in all living things.

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 1.3.1 Rosalind Franklin (1950’s)
• Worked with Maurice Wilkins
• X-ray crystallography = images
of DNA
• Provided measurements on
chemistry of DNA

1.3.2 James Watson & Francis Crick

(1953)
• Discovered the double helix by
building models to conform to
Franklin’s X-ray data and
Chargaff’s Rules.

1.3.3 Erwin Chargaff (1947)

Chargaff’s Rule:
• DNA composition varies between species
• Ratios:
A = T and G = C

1.4 Molecular Structure of DNA and RNA

Definition 1.4 Molecular Structure of DNA and RNA

The DNA molecule consists of two long chains of nucleotides coiled into a
double helix. The order of the four types of nucleotides in a chain differs among
individuals and among species

1.4.1 DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

• Double helix structure
“Backbone” = sugar + phosphate
“Rungs” = nitrogenous bases
• Antiparallel: one strand (5’→ 3’), other strand runs in opposite, upside-down
direction (3’ → 5’)

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 • DNA Comparison

1.4.2 RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

• Single stranded
“Backbone” = sugar + phosphate
“Rungs” = nitrogenous bases
• Types of RNA
o mRNA - Messenger RNA: Encodes amino acid
sequence of a polypeptide.
o tRNA - Transfer RNA: Brings amino acids to
ribosomes during translation.
o rRNA - Ribosomal RNA: With ribosomal
proteins, makes up the ribosomes, the
organelles that translate the mRNA.

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 1.4.3 DNA vs RNA

Reference Book:
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, 14th ed by Starr, Evers, & Starr (2014)

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