What is the process of converting DNA into mRNA called?

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The process of converting DNA into mRNA is called transcription. During transcription, a specific segment of DNA is unwound and serves as a template for synthesizing a complementary RNA strand. This is carried out by an enzyme known as RNA polymerase. The resulting mRNA molecule is then processed and can be translated into a protein.

Transcription is a crucial step in gene expression, allowing the information encoded in the DNA to be transferred to the mRNA, which later serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. This separation of transcription and translation into distinct processes allows cells to regulate gene expression more effectively and efficiently.

In contrast, replication refers to the process of duplicating DNA, ensuring that genetic information is accurately copied before cell division. Translation is the subsequent phase where the mRNA is read by ribosomes to synthesize proteins. Translocation generally pertains to the movement of ribosomes along the mRNA or the movement of genes between locations in the genome, which is not directly related to the transcription process.

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