What is the process called where RNA is translated into a protein?

The process in which RNA is converted into a protein is known as translation. During translation, the sequence of nucleotides in messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded by ribosomes to synthesize a specific polypeptide chain, which then folds into a functional protein. This process involves several key stages, including initiation, elongation, and termination, but collectively it is referred to as translation.

In this process, after the mRNA is transcribed from DNA, it carries the genetic instructions necessary for assembling amino acids into a protein. Ribosomes play a crucial role, as they read the mRNA sequence in sets of three nucleotides (codons), each corresponding to a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules then bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, ensuring that the protein is constructed in the correct order.

Understanding translation is fundamental to grasping how genes encode the proteins that perform essential functions in living organisms.