What does gene expression refer to?

Gene expression refers to the process by which information from a gene is utilized to produce a functional product, typically a protein. This involves two main stages: transcription, where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied to produce messenger RNA (mRNA), and translation, where the mRNA sequence is read by ribosomes to synthesize the corresponding protein. This fundamental process is crucial for the functioning of cells, as proteins perform a vast array of functions necessary for life, including acting as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules.

In contrast to other options, inheritance pertains to how genes are passed from parents to offspring, mutations involve changes to the genetic sequence over generations, and DNA replication is the process of copying DNA to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic material. Gene expression specifically focuses on how the genetic code is used to create products that drive cellular and organismal activity.