Gene 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). Then, during translation, the mRNA is read by ribosomes to assemble amino acids into a specific protein. The regulation of gene expression is crucial for cellular function and development. Different cells express different genes, allowing them to perform specialized functions. Factors such as environmental signals and cellular conditions can influence which genes are turned on or off, impacting how cells respond to their surroundings.