Here's why:
* mRNA is transcribed from DNA: The genetic information in DNA is first copied into mRNA during transcription. This mRNA molecule then carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
* Codons: mRNA is composed of a sequence of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil) arranged in groups of three called codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid.
* Translation: At the ribosomes, the codons in mRNA are read and matched with their corresponding amino acids, which are brought in by transfer RNA (tRNA). This process is called translation, and it results in the assembly of a protein chain.
So, mRNA acts as the intermediary between DNA and protein synthesis, carrying the genetic code to the ribosomes where the protein is built.
