The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. It begins with DNA, which holds the genetic blueprint in the form of a nucleotide sequence. The first step, transcription, involves copying a specific segment of DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) by RNA polymerase. This process occurs in the nucleus and results in an mRNA transcript that carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm. The second step, translation, occurs at the ribosomes, where the mRNA sequence is decoded into a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a polypeptide chain that folds into a functional protein. Each step is highly regulated and essential for proper cellular function, ensuring that the correct proteins are produced in response to the genetic instructions. This unidirectional flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein is fundamental to all living organisms and underpins processes such as growth, development, and adaptation.