DECODE The Script of LIFE

  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

  GENETIC MUTATIONS Genetic mutations  are spontaneous changes occurring in the genetic material, (DNA) of an individual. Mutations can be passed to the next generations or may not, depending upon the type of cell in which they occur.       They can be harmful, beneficial or even neutral. Usually these are caused naturally but they can be caused by harmful radiations or chemicals or drugs etc. Somatic cell’s mutations do not pass to the offspring. While the mutations in germ line cells are hereditary. The term mutation was given by Devries in 1909. Types of Mutations Two most basic categories of mutations are: Point mutations These mutations are those occurring only at certain points in chromosomes or the genes if it. For example, insertion, deletion etc. Chromosomal mutation More sever class of mutations is chromosomal mutations. It includes deletion of one or set of chromosome, or may be more number of chromosomes is present in genome than normal numbers. They can be due to change in