What is the primary role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in cells?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a critical role in the process of protein synthesis, which is essential for cellular function and structure. The primary function of mRNA is to carry the genetic information copied from DNA, specifically from a gene, to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This process begins with transcription, where DNA is transcribed into mRNA, but the primary role lies in its function as a template for translation.

During translation, the ribosomes read the sequence of the mRNA and use it to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately forming a functional protein. Each sequence of three nucleotides on the mRNA, known as a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

This vital role makes mRNA indispensable for translating genetic instructions into the proteins that perform various functions within the cell, including enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules. Understanding the central role of mRNA in this process is essential for grasping how genes are expressed and how proteins are made, which is foundational knowledge in molecular biology.