What does gene expression refer to?

Gene expression refers to the process by which the information encoded in a gene is utilized to produce a functional product, typically a protein. This process involves several steps, including transcription and translation. During transcription, the gene's DNA is used as a template to synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA), which then carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes, where translation occurs. Here, the mRNA sequence is used to assemble amino acids into a protein.

Understanding gene expression is crucial because it determines how genes influence the traits and functions of an organism. It is a fundamental concept in molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology, highlighting how genetic information is actively turned into observable characteristics.

Other processes mentioned, like DNA replication and alteration of a gene's sequence, are related but do not define gene expression. DNA replication is a mechanism for copying DNA, while alterations to a gene’s sequence can lead to mutations, which affect expression but are separate from the actual expression process itself. The synthesis of RNA is a component of gene expression, but it does not encompass the entire process, as expression leads to the production of proteins, not just RNA.