What is the second step of gene expression?

The second step of gene expression is translation. In the process of gene expression, the first step is transcription, where the information in a gene's DNA sequence is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where translation occurs.

During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and uses it as a template to assemble a chain of amino acids, ultimately forming a protein. This process involves the use of transfer RNA (tRNA), which brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome based on the codon sequence of the mRNA.

Understanding translation as the second step highlights its critical role in synthesizing proteins that have various functions within the cell and organism. The output of translation directly influences the phenotype of an organism, as proteins are vital for numerous biological processes.