Here's a breakdown:

* DNA contains the genetic instructions for building proteins.

* Transcription: The DNA code is copied into a messenger molecule called mRNA (messenger RNA).

* Translation: The mRNA travels to the ribosomes, which are essentially protein-making machines. The ribosome reads the mRNA code and assembles amino acids into a specific chain, forming the protein.

So, while DNA holds the blueprints, and mRNA carries the instructions, the ribosomes are the actual construction sites where the protein molecules are built.