Which process is responsible for producing messenger RNA?

The process responsible for producing messenger RNA (mRNA) is transcription. During transcription, segments of DNA are used as templates to synthesize RNA. This crucial step takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involves the enzyme RNA polymerase, which binds to the DNA and unwinds the double helix to read the genetic information in the form of nucleotide sequences. The RNA polymerase then synthesizes a complementary strand of mRNA, which carries the genetic instructions from the DNA out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into proteins.

Understanding this process highlights its significance in gene expression, as mRNA serves as the intermediary that conveys information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This is fundamental for cellular function and the execution of the genetic code contained within an organism's DNA.