Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which of the following statements about the central dogma is true?

1. It describes the flow of information from protein to DNA

2. It outlines the process of RNA replication

3. It illustrates the flow of genetic information in cells

4. It applies only to prokaryotic cells

The correct answer is: It illustrates the flow of genetic information in cells

The central dogma of molecular biology is a fundamental concept that describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. The correct choice illustrates how this flow occurs: it emphasizes that information is transferred from DNA to RNA and then from RNA to protein. This concept signifies the processes of transcription (where DNA is used to make RNA) and translation (where RNA is used to synthesize proteins). The reason this answer is accurate lies in its reflection of the core processes essential to cellular function and the expression of genes. It encompasses both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting its universality across different life forms. Understanding this flow of information is crucial for comprehending how genetic instructions lead to the synthesis of proteins, which ultimately determine an organism's traits and functions. Other options, while addressing elements related to molecular biology, do not correctly capture the essence of the central dogma. The flow of information documented in this concept does not run from protein back to DNA, nor does it specifically focus on RNA replication, which is not a primary aspect of the central dogma framework. Furthermore, the statement that it applies only to prokaryotic cells is inaccurate, as its principles extend to all cellular life, including eukaryotes.