The primary function of mRNA (messenger RNA) is to act as an intermediary, carrying genetic instructions from DNA to the protein synthesis machinery.
mRNA's Role in Protein Synthesis
Here's a breakdown of mRNA's crucial role:
- Information Carrier: mRNA carries protein information from the DNA, which resides within the cell's nucleus.
- Transcription: DNA's genetic code is transcribed into a complementary mRNA sequence.
- Transportation: The mRNA molecule then exits the nucleus and travels to the cell's cytoplasm, the watery interior of the cell.
- Translation: In the cytoplasm, ribosomes (the protein-making machinery) bind to the mRNA. According to the provided reference, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and translates each three-base codon (a sequence of three nucleotides) into its corresponding amino acid.
- Protein Assembly: These amino acids are linked together to form a growing polypeptide chain, ultimately folding into a functional protein.
In simpler terms, think of mRNA as a recipe card copied from a master cookbook (DNA) that is then taken to the kitchen (cytoplasm) for the chef (ribosome) to create a dish (protein).
