mRNA vaccines for COVID work by inserting an mRNA molecule into
your body, which your cells then read as instructions to produce certain
viral proteins (specifically, the SARS-COV-2 spike protein). Your immune
cells then recognize this viral protein because it is foreign-your human
DNA doesn't contain any instructions on how to make this protein, so it
has never been made before.
When your immune cells recognize the protein, they make antibodies
against it. The antibodies are, effectively, antibodies against the SARS-
COV-2 virus. If the actual virus is introduced to your body, the antibodies
recognize the spike protein and destroy it.
When you hear family members, friends, or classmates that say that
mRNA COVID vaccines will change your DNA you will know this is (False
or True), because of what core concept in biology?
True because of gene regulation. The viral mRNA introduced can modify your DNA through
protein production.
True because of central dogma. The viral mRNA introduced can modify your DNA.
False because of gene regulation. The viral mRNA introduced cannot modify your DNA
through protein production.
False because of central dogma. The viral mRNA introduced cannot modify your DNA.