During which process does messenger RNA direct the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of translation, where it directs the formation of a specific protein at the ribosome. During translation, the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA is decoded to synthesize a polypeptide chain. This process involves several key steps: first, the ribosome binds to the mRNA; then, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, which carry specific amino acids, recognize the codons on the mRNA through complementary base pairing. Each tRNA brings in the appropriate amino acid according to the sequence coded by the mRNA, leading to the assembly of amino acids into a growing polypeptide chain that will fold into a functional protein.

In contrast, transcription is the process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template, replication refers to the duplication of DNA, and mutation involves changes to the DNA sequence that may affect gene expression or protein function. Thus, translation is the key process where mRNA is instrumental in directing protein synthesis at the ribosome.