Central Dogma for the MCAT: Transcription, Translation & Gene Regulation

DNA doesn’t “do", it instructs. In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly walk through the central dogma, how we go from DNA → RNA → protein—and the regulation that makes different cells, well, different. Perfect for MCAT Bio/Biochem: we hit transcription, RNA processing, translation mechanics (A–P–E sites), start/stop codons, eukaryote vs. prokaryote differences, and multi-layered gene expression regulation (chromatin, transcription factors, miRNA/siRNA, ubiquitin, & more).🔑 What you’ll learnCentral dogma overview (DNA → RNA → protein)Transcription: promoter, template vs. coding strand, initiation/elongation/terminationEukaryotic RNA processing: 5′ cap, splicing (introns vs. exons, alternative splicing), poly-A tailTranslation: AUG start (Met), codons/anticodons, tRNA charging, ribosome A–P–E sites, stop codons (UAA/UAG/UGA)Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes: 40/60/80S vs. 30/50/70S ribosomes, coupled transcription–translation, operons (lac/trp)Regulation: heterochromatin vs. euchromatin, histone acetylation, DNA methylation, transcription factors, miRNA/siRNA silencing, post-translational mods (ubiquitin, phosphorylation)Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at [email protected]! 📱📌 Free Academic Advising: https://calendly.com/academic-advising-4/jack-westin-academic-advising?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast💻 Try our Chrome Extension (video solutions to every AAMC passage) https://tinyurl.com/4jw5pad8📚 Free Resources: https://jackwestin.com?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast🎓 Live Education Sessions: https://jackwestin.com/sessions?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast👨🏻‍🏫 Courses: https://jackwestin.com/courses?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast🙋 Tutoring: https://jackwestin.com/services/live-online-mcat-tutoring?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast📸 Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackwestinmcat?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast👥 Join our Facebook Study Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freemcatprep?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast