What does the central dogma outline in molecular biology?

The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA and then to protein. It establishes the three key processes involved: transcription, where information in a segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA); translation, where the mRNA is then used as a template to synthesize a protein. This flow of information is fundamental to understanding how genes express traits within an organism, supporting the idea that DNA contains the blueprint for protein synthesis, while RNA serves as an intermediary that conveys this information to the ribosomes, where proteins are constructed.

Transcription converts the genetic code present in DNA into RNA, while translation decodes the RNA into a functional protein. This sequential process underscores the relationship between genotype (the genetic information) and phenotype (the observable characteristics), forming the foundation of molecular biology concepts. The accuracy of this pathway is crucial for normal cellular function, as proteins ultimately perform a vast array of functions within cells and play key roles in biological processes.