To turn a gene's DNA sequence of bases into a protein's sequence of amino acids requires an intermediary molecule called mRNA.

Base pairing is used to create mRNA from one of the DNA strands. Every T in the DNA strand pairs with an A in the mRNA strand, and Cs and Gs in the DNA pair with Gs and Cs in the mRNA. However, if there is an A in the DNA sequence, it pairs with a new base called Uracil (U) in the mRNA strand. Thus, if the DNA sequence is TACGCAATATGCATT, the mRNA sequence becomes AUGCGUUAUACGUAA.

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