The cellular process shown below for x = Replication.
y = Transcription
z = Translation .
Replication (X) is the fundamental process by which DNA makes exact copies of itself.
During cell division, particularly in the S phase of the cell cycle, the double-stranded DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a complementary strand.
Enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, facilitate the addition of nucleotides to form two identical DNA molecules, ensuring the transmission of genetic information to daughter cells.
Transcription (Y) is the process through which genetic information is transferred from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA).
It occurs in the cell nucleus and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase.
The DNA unwinds, and RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand based on the nucleotide sequence of the DNA template.
This mRNA molecule carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Translation (Z) is the subsequent step in gene expression where the information encoded in mRNA is used to build a polypeptide chain.
This process takes place in the ribosomes of the cell.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring specific amino acids to the ribosome according to the codons on the mRNA.
The ribosome reads the mRNA sequence, and the amino acids are linked together in a specific order, forming a polypeptide chain, which folds into a functional protein.
Replication ensures the faithful duplication of DNA, transcription transfers genetic information from DNA to mRNA, and translation interprets the mRNA code to synthesize proteins, collectively playing essential roles in the flow of genetic information within a cell.