Pre-mRNA, or precursor messenger RNA, is an initial form of RNA synthesized from a DNA template during the process of transcription. It contains both coding regions, known as exons, and non-coding regions, called introns. Pre-mRNA undergoes several modifications before it becomes mature mRNA, which is then translated into proteins. During the maturation process, introns are removed through a process called splicing, and a 5' cap and a poly-A tail are added. These modifications are essential for the stability, export, and translation of the mRNA. The final product, mature mRNA, is crucial for protein synthesis in cells.