Which process involves the assembly of amino acids into proteins?

The assembly of amino acids into proteins occurs during the process known as translation. In this process, messenger RNA (mRNA), which is synthesized during transcription, serves as a template for building proteins. Ribosomes facilitate the translation process by reading the mRNA sequence and using transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to bring the appropriate amino acids into place. Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, ensuring that amino acids are added in the correct sequence dictated by the mRNA. Ultimately, this leads to the formation of a polypeptide chain that folds into a functional protein.

Transcription, while it is a crucial step in gene expression, specifically refers to the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from a DNA template, not the assembly of proteins. Replication involves the duplication of DNA, ensuring that genetic information is passed on during cell division. Mutation involves changes to the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can affect an organism's traits but does not directly pertain to the process of assembling amino acids into proteins.