What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

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

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how genetic information is used to make functional products. In cells, information stored in DNA is first copied into RNA through transcription. Then that RNA is read to assemble a chain of amino acids during translation, producing a protein. This two-step flow—DNA to RNA to protein—explains how the genetic code directs everything from enzymes to structural components.

The correct description reflects this path: DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into protein. The other possibilities describe processes in the wrong direction or involve replication, which is not how gene expression works.