What process involves using a nucleotide sequence of a gene to produce a functional product like protein or RNA?

The process of gene expression encompasses the entire spectrum of activities that result in the production of a functional product, typically in the form of proteins or RNA, from the nucleotide sequence of a gene. This involves two main stages: transcription and translation.

In transcription, the specific segment of DNA that constitutes a gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then serves as a template for translation, where ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of the mRNA. Gene expression is fundamental to cellular function because it determines which proteins are produced and in what quantities.

By understanding gene expression, one can see how genetic information is translated into functional units within cells, making it a central concept in biology.