What role does messenger RNA (mRNA) play in the central dogma of molecular biology?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the central dogma of molecular biology, primarily serving as a template for the translation process that converts genetic information into proteins. In this framework, DNA is first transcribed into mRNA, which then carries the information encoded in the DNA sequences from the cell nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Once at the ribosome, the mRNA sequence is decoded in sets of three nucleotides, known as codons, which correspond to specific amino acids. This translation process is fundamental for protein synthesis, as the ribosome reads the sequence of mRNA and assembles the appropriate amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately forming a functional protein. By acting as the intermediary between the genetic material (DNA) and the functional products (proteins), mRNA is essential for expressing the information encoded in genes.

The other options offered do not accurately describe the primary function of mRNA. Some options mistakenly attribute roles that are associated with other molecules in the cell. For instance, the process of amino acid transport to the ribosome is carried out by transfer RNA (tRNA), not mRNA. Similarly, modifying the genetic code and participating in DNA replication are functions of other molecular processes involving