What is the process called where the information in mRNA is decoded into proteins?

Prepare for the IB Diploma Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The correct process where the information in mRNA is decoded into proteins is known as translation. During translation, ribosomes read the sequence of the mRNA, which consists of codons—sets of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids. The ribosome assembles a chain of amino acids in the correct order, ultimately folding into a functional protein.

Transcription, on the other hand, is the process that occurs before translation; it involves synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template. This means transcription is responsible for creating the mRNA molecule that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, but it does not involve decoding this information into proteins.

Translocation refers to a different process where ribosomal subunits move along the mRNA during translation, but it is not the primary term for the decoding process itself. Replication is the process of duplicating DNA, ensuring that genetic material is passed on during cell division, which is unrelated to the process of translating mRNA into proteins.

Therefore, translation specifically involves the decoding of mRNA to synthesize proteins, making it the correct choice for this question.

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