During which stage of protein synthesis is the mRNA used to synthesize a protein?

The stage of protein synthesis during which mRNA is used to synthesize a protein is translation. In this process, the mRNA transcript, which is a copy of the gene information found in DNA, is read by ribosomes in the cell. These ribosomes facilitate the binding of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which carry specific amino acids. The sequence of codons on the mRNA dictates the order in which the amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain, ultimately resulting in the formation of a protein. This critical step follows transcription, where the DNA is used to create the mRNA, and occurs after RNA modification, ensuring the mRNA is properly processed and ready for translation. Thus, translation is the direct link between the genetic code carried by mRNA and the synthesis of functional proteins.