Question

Which does not follow the central dogma of molecular biology?

• A. Pea
• B. Mucor
• C. Chlamydomonas
• D. HIV

Answer 1

The correct option is D HIV

Introduction to central dogma
The central dogma states that genetic information flows in a single direction. According to the central dogma of life -
● DNA is the master copy of genetic information and undergoes replication to form new copies of DNA.
● The genetic code or information in the DNA is transferred into an RNA by synthesising an mRNA from the 3’-5’ template strand of DNA by transcription.
● The information carried by the RNA is expressed in the form of polypeptide chains or proteins by the process of translation.

Organisms that follow the central dogma
All organisms that possess DNA as their genetic material such as the Mucor, Chlamydomonas and pea follow the central dogma for the flow of genetic information.

HIV
● Retroviruses such as HIV do not follow central dogma.
● HIV has RNA as genetic material. When it infects the T lymphocytes, it synthesises DNA from RNA using the reverse transcriptase enzyme.
● The DNA is then incorporated into the host DNA and it is transcribed into mRNA. Then the mRNA is translated into viral proteins.
● RNA→DNA→mRNA→Proteins

Final answer:
(c) HIV