What is the process of forming proteins based on information in DNA called?

The process of forming proteins based on information in DNA is known as protein synthesis. This process involves two key stages: transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied to produce messenger RNA (mRNA). Then, in translation, the mRNA is read by ribosomes to assemble amino acids in the correct order, forming a protein.

Protein synthesis is vital because proteins are essential for numerous cellular functions, acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, among other roles. Thus, understanding this process is fundamental to molecular biology and genetics, as it highlights how the genetic code is expressed as functional biomolecules. This process directly links genotype to phenotype, demonstrating how the information encoded in genes ultimately translates to the traits and functions of an organism.