What steps are involved in the central dogma of molecular biology?

The steps involved include DNA replication, transcription and translation. DNA replication is the process in which a cell makes an identical copy of its DNA. Before a cell divides, it duplicates its entire genetic material to ensure that each new daughter cell inherits a complete set of genetic instructions. This replication process guarantees that genetic information is preserved and passed on to the next generation of cells. DNA replication occurs during the S (synthesis) phase of the cell cycle. The DNA double helix unwinds and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand; DNA polymerases function to add nucleotides to the growing strands. Transcription is the process where genetic information is copied from one strand of DNA to form RNA, facilitated by RNA polymerase. The DNA strand undergoing transcription contains three key regions: the promoter, structural gene, and terminator. The DNA strand serving as the template for RNA synthesis is known as the template strand, while the complementary strand is the coding strand. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region and initiates synthesis in the 3'to 5' direction along the template strand. As RNA polymerase progresses along the template strand, it eventually reaches the terminator and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule. In translation, mRNA is decoded by ribosomes to synthesize a specific protein. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, matching them to the codons on the mRNA. Peptide bonds form between adjacent amino acids, resulting in the formation of a polypeptide chain.