DECODE The Script of LIFE

The discovery of DNA stands as one of the most monumental achievements in the realm of science. Today, our deeper understanding of DNA structure has unveiled answers to questions that have puzzled us for ages. The Central Dogma elucidates how DNA encodes proteins through three essential stages: replication, transcription, and translation. What Is Transcription?             Transcription is the initial step in gene expression. It involves the conversion of DNA information into RNA. Here’s how it works: Template Strand:               During transcription, only one strand of DNA—the template strand—is copied. This template strand serves as a guide for synthesizing a complementary RNA molecule. RNA Synthesis :              The enzyme responsible for transcription is RNA polymerase. It binds to a specific DNA region called the promoter and catalyzes the synthesis of RNA in the 5’ to 3’ direction along the template strand. The newly formed RNA strand is called mRNA (messenger RNA). Purpose o

  The Marvel of Molecular Biology The Central Dogma of Life,   a fundamental concept in molecular biology, describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It was first proposed by Francis Crick in 1958 and further expanded upon in 1970.  The Central Dogma involves three key processes: DNA replication, transcription, and translation DNA Replication DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the genetic instructions. The replication process begins at specific locations on the DNA molecule called origins of replication, where the double helix unwinds to expose the template strands.  Each strand of the DNA molecule serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand, following the base pairing rules (A pairs with T, and G pairs with C).  The result is two identical DNA molecules, each composed of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand . Tra

 Introduction to Molecular Biology Cells are fundamental building blocks of living organisms. Cells contain a nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, vacuoles, etc.  The nucleus is important organelle because it houses chromosomes which include the DNA.  The DNA is in essence a blueprint of the organism as it encodes information needed to synthesize proteins . Molecular biologist s would like to understand how human biology works with the hope to treat diseases like cancer. One can look at simpler organisms such as yeasts to understand how human biology works.  Admittedly, unicellular yeasts are very different from humans who have approximately 1014 cells. However, the DNA is similar across all living organisms. For example, humans share 99% of DNA with chimps. Naturally, we would like to know what information contained in that 1% of DNA is so critical to determine all the distinguishing features of humans,  DNA            DNA stands for deoxyribonucle

 T he discovery of DNA was one of the most significant findings in the field of science. Today, deeper insight into the DNA structure has unravelled answers to questions that have been around for eons. The Central dogma explains how the DNA codes for the proteins which proceed in three stages, namely, replication, transcription and translation. Once DNA replicates its two strands, the information is copied into RNA by the process called transcription. Let’s learn more about the process of transcription. Table of Contents Definition Explanation RNA Polymerase Stages Initiation Elongation Termination Processing Transcription Definition “Transcription is the first step of gene expression that involves the formation of RNA molecucle from DNA.” What is Transcription? It is one of the first processes in gene expression. The genetic information flows from DNA to protein and this flow of information takes place in a sequential process of transcription and translation. Only one strand of DNA is