What is the term for the process by which the information encoded in a gene directs the assembly of a protein molecule?

The process by which the information encoded in a gene directs the assembly of a protein molecule is known as gene expression. This involves two key stages: transcription and translation.

During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied to produce messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where translation occurs. In translation, ribosomes read the sequence of the mRNA and translate it into a specific sequence of amino acids, leading to the synthesis of a protein.

Gene expression plays a critical role in determining the characteristics of an organism, as proteins are essential for various functions, including structural roles, enzymatic activity, and regulatory processes. It is a fundamental aspect of molecular biology and genetics, enabling cells to respond to their environment and carry out specific functions based on the genes that are expressed at any given time.

The other options, such as gene mutation, genetic profiling, and genome editing, refer to different genetic concepts and processes. Gene mutation involves changes in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, genetic profiling is used for identifying individuals based on their DNA, and genome editing refers to techniques that allow for the direct alteration of an organism's DNA. These processes do not describe the mechanism by which proteins