Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is a type of genetic material that plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis. It is created from DNA in a process called transcription, where a specific segment of DNA is copied into a complementary RNA strand. This mRNA then carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus of a cell to the ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for assembling proteins.
Once at the ribosomes, mRNA serves as a template for translating the genetic code into a specific sequence of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This translation process involves another type of RNA called transfer RNA (tRNA), which helps bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome. Ultimately, mRNA is essential for converting the information stored in DNA into functional proteins that perform various tasks in living organisms.