mRNA, or messenger RNA, plays a crucial role in the process of gene expression. Its primary functions include:
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Transcription: mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template during transcription. This process occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, where the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed into a complementary RNA sequence.
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Transport: Once synthesized, mRNA is modified (capping, polyadenylation, and splicing) and then transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.
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Translation: mRNA serves as the template for translation, the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins. The ribosomes read the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA in sets of three called codons, each of which corresponds to a specific amino acid.
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Determining Protein Sequence: The sequence of codons in the mRNA determines the order of amino acids in the resulting protein, thus dictating its structure and function.
Overall, mRNA is essential for converting genetic information stored in DNA into functional proteins, which carry out various biological functions within the cell.