Question

The central dogma of molecular Biology goes DNA to RNA to Protein. Describe the processes of transcription and translation. (in 2-3 sentences for each).

Question 2: RT-PCR (real time - PCR) is a technique we can use that measures the amount of RNA in a cell at a given time. This allows us to see what genes are being "expressed" in a cell. Briefly explain how RT-PCR is being used to determine if people are positive for Covid-19.

Answer 1

1) central dogma of molecular biology includes

DNA -- RNA --- protein

Conversion of DNA to RNA occur by process of transcription. It is the first step in expression of gene. RNA polymerase is by the main enzyme which is involved in synthesis of RNA from DNA. During transcription, polymerase help in polymerization of ribonucleotide depend upon the sequence of template strand of DNa and lead to synthesis of RNA.

Second step in gene expression is translation. In this process RNA formed , is translated with help of ribosome. During translation, amino acid is added to growing peptide chain . Amino acid are transferred with help of tRNA in this process.   

Firned protein perform its function and lead to phenotype appearance.

Question 2) RT pCR is also known as reverse transcriptase PCR. Here starting material used is RNA . For this process RNA is first converted in to CDNA using Reverse transcriptase enzyme, later this CDNA us amplified using DNA polymerase . Covid - 19 virus is a RNA genome virus, so RT PCR is used to determine positive for covid 19. Fir that RNA is isolated and converted in CDNA then used for PCR. Based on Data presence or absence of virus infection can be determined.