What are the two main steps involved in gene expression?

• A. Replication and Translation
• B. Transcription and Replication
• C. Transcription and Translation
• D. Expression and Regulation

Answer: (C)

The two main steps involved in gene expression are transcription and translation.

During transcription, the process begins in the nucleus where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA serves as a template that carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

Following transcription, the next step is translation. In this phase, the mRNA is translated into a polypeptide chain, which ultimately folds into a functional protein. The ribosome reads the sequence of codons in the mRNA and, with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, assembles the corresponding amino acids in the correct order to form a protein.

This two-step process of transcription and translation is fundamental to how genes are expressed and is essential for the functioning of cells.