What is the function of messenger RNA (mRNA) in a cell?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis by serving as the intermediary that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. This process begins with transcription, during which a specific segment of DNA is transcribed into mRNA. Once the mRNA is formed, it transports the genetic code, in the form of sequences of nucleotides, from the nucleus of the cell to the cytoplasm, specifically to the ribosomes.

At the ribosome, the mRNA is translated into a corresponding sequence of amino acids, resulting in the formation of proteins that are essential for various cellular functions. The significance of mRNA lies in its role in conveying the instructions encoded in the DNA to the ribosomal machinery, enabling the appropriate synthesis of proteins based on genetic information. This critical function is a key aspect of gene expression and regulation in all living cells.