The Central Dogma
The Central Dogma can be explained as follows:
- DNA makes an exact copy of itself. This is called Replication.
- DNA can also transfer part of its information to make RNA. This is called as Transcription, meaning that DNA transcribes its information to make RNA.
- The RNA then uses this information and translates this information to make Proteins. The process is known as Translation.
- The processes of Transcription and Translation combined together is known as Gene Expression.
Sometimes DNA is made by the RNA, which is not possible in normal circumstances, this process is known as Reverse Transcription. This may be caused by a virus.
The virus uses an enzyme called Reverse transcriptase.