We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Biology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

In Biology, what is the Central Dogma?

Michael Anissimov
By
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 30,659
Share

The central dogma (sometimes capitalized as Central Dogma) of molecular biology is that information in biological systems only flows in one direction: from DNA to RNA to proteins. The central dogma was first formulated by Francis Crick, one of the co-discoverers of the structure of the DNA, in 1958 and popularized in a Nature paper published in 1970. Since it was formulated, it has been found that the central dogma does not always hold (contrary to its name), and under some conditions, such as those involving viruses or special interventions in a laboratory, other types of information flow are possible.

The term "central dogma" is just a phrase; it doesn't mean the idea is infallible or somehow associated with religious dogma. Crick later regretted using the word "dogma" to explain his idea, due to all the trouble it caused him.

In biology, there are three typical types of information flow that occur in all living cells: DNA modifying itself, DNA to RNA, and RNA to proteins. DNA is capable of self-replication in a process called DNA replication.

In the cell, RNA serves as the proxy, the signaler for DNA molecules synthesizing proteins. The process whereby DNA creates RNA is called transcript. The complete DNA readout of any organism, called the genome, contains a full set of instructions for making all the RNA and proteins that constitute the organism. Once the RNA is created by the DNA, it cannot be taken back or otherwise manipulated, and RNA cannot change RNA. Once RNA synthesizes the proteins (called translation), the proteins cannot influence the information content of the DNA or RNA. Although, the DNA can produce new proteins to disassemble or otherwise manipulate pre-existing proteins.

In a laboratory or with viruses, three additional manipulations are possible. One is RNA modifying DNA, called reverse transcription. This happens in the case of RNA retroviruses, like HIV, hijacking the DNA machinery of the host cell. Another manipulation is RNA manipulating itself, called RNA replication, which happens with some RNA viruses. The last is the direct translation of DNA to protein, demonstrated a few times in the lab, although it remains largely unexplored.

Several manipulations are impossible, at least with our current level of technology. These include backtracking from a protein to the DNA or RNA that created it, or using proteins to build additional proteins.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Michael Anissimov
By Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated All The Science contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism to his articles. An avid blogger, Michael is deeply passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. His professional experience includes work with the Methuselah Foundation, Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Lifeboat Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to scientific advancement.
Discussion Comments
By elizabeth23 — On Feb 23, 2011

Though it sounds important, I imagine it will only be a matter of time before we somehow find an exception to the rule of central dogma. Like everything else in biology and other sciences, it is not necessarily "true" so much as "not dis-proven yet".

By helene55 — On Feb 22, 2011

This article is a bit false in naming Francis Crick as a co discoverer of the structure of DNA. the double helix was originally discovered by Rosalind Franklin, whose data and original photographs were shown to Crick and his partner, Watson, without her knowledge.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov is a dedicated All The Science contributor and brings his expertise in paleontology, physics, biology...
Learn more
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/in-biology-what-is-the-central-dogma.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.