* DNA as the blueprint: The coded instructions for making proteins are contained within DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is found within the nucleus, but it is not the nucleus itself.
* RNA as the messenger: DNA's instructions are copied into RNA (ribonucleic acid) through a process called transcription. This RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA), then leaves the nucleus and travels to ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
* Ribosomes build proteins: Ribosomes are the cellular machinery that reads the mRNA code and uses it to assemble amino acids into proteins.
In summary:
1. DNA (in the nucleus): Contains the genetic code for proteins.
2. RNA (transcribed from DNA): Carries the code from the nucleus to ribosomes.
3. Ribosomes (in the cytoplasm): Read the RNA code and build proteins.
So, while the nucleus houses the DNA blueprint, it's the RNA that acts as the messenger and the ribosomes that actually build the proteins.
