Genetic expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to create a functional product, typically a protein. This process involves two main steps: transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then carries the genetic information to the ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. In the translation step, the ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. The specific proteins produced determine the traits and functions of an organism, making genetic expression a crucial aspect of biology and heredity.