Which statement best describes the flow of genetic information according to the central dogma?

Which statement best describes the flow of genetic information according to the central dogma?

• A. DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein.
• B. Protein is transcribed into DNA.
• C. RNA is translated into DNA.
• D. DNA is translated into RNA.

Answer: (A)

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. Transcription copies the DNA sequence into messenger RNA, using RNA polymerase to read the DNA. Translation then reads that RNA sequence and uses it to assemble the corresponding amino acids into a protein, with ribosomes and tRNAs guiding the process. The statement that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein, accurately reflects this sequence. The other ideas describe incorrect directions or processes—proteins being used to make DNA, RNA being turned into DNA, or DNA being created by translating, which are not how information is normally organized in cells (note that there are occasional exceptions like reverse transcription, but the canonical flow is DNA → RNA → protein).

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. Transcription copies the DNA sequence into messenger RNA, using RNA polymerase to read the DNA. Translation then reads that RNA sequence and uses it to assemble the corresponding amino acids into a protein, with ribosomes and tRNAs guiding the process. The statement that DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein, accurately reflects this sequence. The other ideas describe incorrect directions or processes—proteins being used to make DNA, RNA being turned into DNA, or DNA being created by translating, which are not how information is normally organized in cells (note that there are occasional exceptions like reverse transcription, but the canonical flow is DNA → RNA → protein).