Central Dogma

Hi Everyone, 

        What is the term Central Dogma? The process of conversion of DNA into RNA and then into functional protein is known as central dogma. In simple terms, the flow of information in the DNA into a functional protein. This term was introduced by Francis Crick in 1958. This involves,

1. Replication - Making new DNA from the existing one.

2. Transcription - Conversion of DNA to RNA.

3. Translation - Conversation of RNA to proteins. 

    Our DNA carries all information needed to produce the required proteins. During transcription, the information in the DNA is converted to small RNA messages. These messages are converted to specific proteins in ribosomes during translation. The process of transcription and translation together is called gene expression.

Note:

    Although central dogma explains how genetic information flows, there are some deviations in this concept. An example is non-coding RNA (ncRNA). This transcribed RNA doesn't convert into proteins. The role of ncRNA is being studied. 

Let us study more about non-coding RNA in our next blog.

Thank you!

Reference:

• What is the ‘Central Dogma’? (n.d.). @Yourgenome · Science Website. https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-the-central-dogma/

Antigens and Antibodies

Hi Everyone, 

        Let us continue our learning process. In this blog, we are going to learn about antigens and antibodies. We have already learned about pathogens.

 

        Well, pathogens are the infectious foreign microbes that cause diseases. The immune system persistently checks for foreign molecules. Once the foreign pathogens attack, the immune response is developed by white blood cells.  These white blood cells can differentiate their own cells and foreign cells by surface molecules. Foreign molecules that activate immune responses are called antigens. The surface of pathogens has different antigens which have different shapes. Moreover, different pathogens have different antigens. 

        White blood cells specifically B-lymphocytes produce antibodies when antigens attack the human body. Antibodies are Y-shaped protein molecules that recognizes specific antigens and bind with them in lock and key manner. These B-lymphocytes eliminate antigens and halt the infection.

Important points:

1. Since the antigens have different shapes, antibodies produced against one particular pathogen won't able to attack other pathogens.

2. Vaccine shots produce immunity by producing Antibodies against a particular pathogens.

Thank you!

References:

• What’s the Difference Between Antigens and Antibodies? (2021, March 4). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/infection/antigen-vs-antibody