1. Initiation: RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of the DNA molecule, which signals the start of transcription.

2. Elongation: RNA polymerase unwinds the DNA double helix and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule by adding RNA nucleotides (A, U, C, and G) one by one to the growing RNA chain.

3. Termination: Transcription ends when RNA polymerase reaches a specific termination signal on the DNA template.

4. Processing: The newly synthesized RNA molecule undergoes various processing steps, including the addition of a 5' cap, the removal of introns (non-coding regions), and the addition of a 3' poly(A) tail.

5. Export: The mature RNA molecule is transported out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into protein.

6. Translation: The RNA molecule serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. Ribosomes read the sequence of codons (three-nucleotide sequences) on the RNA and match them with complementary anticodons on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid, and as the ribosome moves along the RNA molecule, the amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide chain, which folds into a functional protein.