Final answer:
Gene expression is the process wherein information from a gene is used to synthesize a protein, involving transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to a protein. It's a highly regulated process essential for cellular function and specialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product, typically a protein. This process entails two key steps: transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed to produce messenger RNA (mRNA).
Subsequently, this mRNA is translated into a sequence of amino acids that form a protein. The regulation of gene expression is crucial as it determines the when, how, and how much of a protein is synthesized within a cell, contributing to cellular function and specialization. Malfunctions in this process can lead to various diseases, including cancer.
Regulation of gene expression is a highly efficient process that conserves energy and resources by only activating genes when necessary, and it also contributes to cell specialization by expressing only certain genes in each cell type. The process involves complex control mechanisms that allow the cell to respond appropriately to its environment and its stage in the life cycle. Understanding these mechanisms is a major focus within the field of genetics and molecular biology.
To sum it up, gene expression is the synthesis of a protein from the information encoded in a gene, starting with the production of mRNA through transcription and ending with the translation of mRNA into protein.