When we say a gene is expressing itself, what does "gene expression" mean in relation to protein synthesis?
- The process by which the instructions in our DNA are converted into a functional product, such as a protein, is known as gene expression. It is divided into two major stages: transcription and translation. The information from the DNA is transcribed into a messenger RNA molecule inside the nucleus during transcription. The message in the messenger RNA is then translated into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein molecule during translation. Protein synthesis cannot occur without gene expression. Furthermore, it appears that the gene is expressed via protein during protein synthesis.