Which process decodes mRNA to synthesize a protein?

• A. DNA replication
• B. Transcription
• C. Translation
• D. Central Dogma

Answer: (C)

Translation is the process that decodes the message carried by mRNA to build a protein. In this step, the ribosome reads mRNA three-nucleotide codons and uses tRNA molecules with matching anticodons to bring in the correct amino acids. As each codon is read, the ribosome links the amino acids together with peptide bonds, creating a growing polypeptide chain that folds into a functional protein. The mRNA template thus determines the order of amino acids in the protein.

DNA replication copies the genome for cell division, not for decoding an mRNA. Transcription makes an mRNA copy from a DNA template, providing the message that translation uses. The Central Dogma describes the overall flow of genetic information—from DNA to RNA to protein—but translation is the actual process that converts the RNA sequence into a protein.