Which process is crucial for protein synthesis?

Translation is the process during which ribosomes synthesize proteins by interpreting the messenger RNA (mRNA) template, which was previously transcribed from DNA. This event is essential for protein synthesis because it involves the decoding of the genetic information carried by mRNA into a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately leading to the formation of functional proteins that play various roles in the cell, including structural support, catalyzing biochemical reactions, and facilitating communication between cells.

While transcription is also a critical step in the overall protein synthesis pathway, as it involves the synthesis of mRNA from a DNA template, translation is the specific process that directly results in the formation of proteins. Replication pertains to the duplication of DNA and is not directly involved in protein synthesis. Digestion refers to the breakdown of food components into absorbable units and does not relate to the mechanisms of synthesizing proteins within cells. Thus, translation stands out as the crucial process for converting genetic information into actual proteins.