What is the process called by which cells make structural or functional proteins?

The process by which cells make structural or functional proteins is known as protein synthesis. This intricate process involves several steps, including transcription and translation. During transcription, the information in a gene's DNA is copied to produce messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then exits the nucleus and is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids at the ribosome, forming a protein.

Protein synthesis is essential because proteins perform a vast array of functions within biological systems, including supporting structural integrity, facilitating biochemical reactions as enzymes, and regulating metabolic pathways. The specificity of proteins, based on their amino acid sequences, allows them to interact uniquely with other molecules and carry out diverse roles in cells.

Other processes mentioned, such as cell division, gene expression, and DNA replication, are related to cellular function but do not directly describe the creation of proteins. Cell division refers to the process by which a cell divides to form new cells, gene expression encompasses the entire process of translating genetic information into functional molecules, and DNA replication is the process by which a cell copies its DNA. These processes are fundamental to cell biology but do not specifically address the synthesis of proteins.