What is the role of mRNA in the process of transcription?

mRNA, or messenger RNA, plays a crucial role in the process of transcription as it serves as the intermediary between DNA and protein synthesis. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed into mRNA by RNA polymerase. This process involves copying the specific coding region of DNA into a complementary RNA strand, allowing the information contained in the gene to be conveyed.

Once mRNA is synthesized, it leaves the nucleus and travels to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. The ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the mRNA, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately forming a protein. Therefore, the primary role of mRNA in transcription is to carry the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of mRNA in transcription. Although mRNA does carry genetic information that ultimately leads to protein synthesis, its immediate role during transcription is centered around the copying of DNA sequences. This makes the choice highlighting its role as a template for protein synthesis the most accurate representation of mRNA's function following transcription.