Jack Westin MCAT Podcast Central Dogma for the MCAT: Transcription, Translation & Gene Regulation
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Oct 15, 2025 Dive into the magic of the central dogma with insights on how DNA transforms into RNA and then proteins. Discover the nuances of transcription, including the roles of promoters and RNA polymerase. Explore eukaryotic RNA processing with details on splicing and poly-A tails. Understand the mechanics of translation, from start codons to ribosome function. Uncover the complexities of gene regulation that explain how identical genomes create diverse cell types, touching on chromatin, transcription factors, and post-translational modifications.
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Central Dogma Defines Genotype To Phenotype
- The central dogma is DNA → RNA → protein and explains how genotype creates phenotype.
- Some exceptions exist, but most cellular functions flow through this pathway.
RNA Polymerase Drives Transcription
- RNA polymerase reads one DNA strand to synthesize single-stranded RNA.
- RNA polymerase is the main enzyme of transcription for MCAT-level understanding.
Three Phases Of Transcription
- Transcription occurs in initiation, elongation, and termination phases with RNA polymerase.
- The template strand is read 3′→5′ and produces an RNA complementary to it.