Final answer:
The term referring to whether a gene is 'turned on' or 'turned off' for protein synthesis is 'gene expression.' It includes the transcription and translation processes and is key for cellular function and efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to whether a gene is "turned on" or "turned off" from being transcribed and translated into protein is gene expression.
Gene expression is the synthesis of proteins from information encoded in their DNA. It involves the processes of transcription, where a DNA sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA), and translation, where mRNA is used as a template to synthesize proteins.
Regulation of gene expression is important for a cell to function properly, as it ensures that necessary proteins are synthesized at the proper time and conserves both energy and space.