What is the process called by which mRNA is synthesized from DNA?

The process by which mRNA is synthesized from DNA is known as transcription. During transcription, a specific segment of DNA is used as a template to generate a complementary strand of RNA. This occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, where RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at a promoter region, unwinds the DNA strands, and synthesizes mRNA by adding RNA nucleotides that are complementary to the template DNA strand.

Transcription is essential for gene expression, as it is the first step in producing the proteins needed for various cellular functions. After transcription, the newly formed mRNA molecule undergoes processing, including splicing and the addition of a 5' cap and poly-A tail, before it is transported out of the nucleus to be translated into a protein.

The other processes mentioned involve different aspects of molecular biology. For instance, translation refers to the synthesis of proteins from the mRNA template, replication involves copying the entire DNA molecule to ensure genetic information is passed on during cell division, and translocation typically describes the movement of a segment of DNA or RNA, often in the context of certain genetic rearrangements or the movement of ribosomes during protein synthesis.