1. Transcription: The DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a complementary messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule by the enzyme RNA polymerase.

2. Translation: The mRNA molecule is then transported to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins by ribosomes.

3. Amino acid activation: Amino acids are activated by binding to transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.

4. Peptide bond formation: The activated amino acids are then linked together by peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain.

5. Protein folding: The polypeptide chain then folds into a specific three-dimensional structure, which is determined by its amino acid sequence.

6. Protein modification: Finally, the protein may undergo various modifications, such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, or proteolysis, to become a mature, functional protein.