What does mRNA do in the process of protein synthesis?

mRNA, or messenger RNA, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by conveying genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This process is essential because DNA itself cannot directly participate in the assembly of proteins; instead, it serves as a template for mRNA synthesis during transcription. Once formed, the mRNA molecule carries the specific sequence of nucleotides that correspond to the amino acids needed to form a particular protein.

At the ribosome, the mRNA's sequence is read in sets of three nucleotides called codons, each of which corresponds to a specific amino acid. Therefore, by transmitting the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, mRNA bridges the gap between the genetic blueprint and the production of proteins, making it fundamental to the flow of information within a cell.

The other choices focus on functions that do not accurately reflect the role of mRNA. For example, decoding DNA, forming ribosomes, and transporting amino acids involve distinct processes and components in the cell, such as the involvement of tRNA and ribosomal RNA in translation and ribosome formation.