How is mRNA used during translation?

During translation, mRNA serves as the template that ribosomes read to assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately forming proteins. The ribosome scans along the mRNA strand in the 5' to 3' direction, reading the nucleotide sequence in groups of three bases, known as codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid. tRNA molecules, which carry amino acids, recognize these codons through their anticodons, facilitating the correct incorporation of amino acids into the growing polypeptide. This protein synthesis is an essential process in gene expression, converting the genetic information encoded in mRNA into functional proteins that perform various roles in the cell.

The other choices involve inaccuracies related to biological processes. For instance, mRNA is not replicated to create DNA; rather, it is synthesized from DNA during transcription. While mRNA does pair with tRNA during translation, it is not accurate to say it forms codons, as codons are inherent to mRNA and represent the triplet sequences that code for amino acids. Lastly, mRNA does not create new genetic variations; that happens through processes like mutation or genetic recombination. Thus, the primary function of mRNA in translation is correctly described in that it enables