What process follows transcription in the formation of proteins?

The process that follows transcription in the formation of proteins is translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA). Once the mRNA is synthesized, it exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where translation occurs.

During translation, the mRNA is read by ribosomes, which are the cellular machinery responsible for synthesizing proteins. The ribosomes facilitate the assembly of amino acids into a polypeptide chain based on the sequence of codons in the mRNA. Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome, where they are sequentially added to the growing chain, ultimately leading to the formation of a complete protein.

This process is essential for gene expression, as it translates the genetic information carried by mRNA into functional proteins that perform various roles in the cell. Understanding this sequence—transcription followed by translation—is crucial for grasping how genes dictate cellular functions and the overall phenotype of an organism.