How do genes and proteins relate to each other?

Genes encode instructions for synthesizing proteins, which is a fundamental concept in molecular biology. Each gene consists of a specific sequence of nucleotides that determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. This process begins with transcription, where the information in the DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA then undergoes translation, where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and assemble the corresponding amino acids to form a protein.

This relationship is central to the flow of genetic information, often referred to as the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the transfer of information from DNA to RNA to protein. The correct understanding of this process is crucial for many areas of biological research and medicine, as the role of genes in encoding proteins underpins many cellular functions and pathways.