Proteins are very important because they act like messengers in our bodies. They connect our genes to the traits we see, like eye color or height. When a gene is turned on, it goes through a process to help make proteins. Here’s how it works:

How Proteins Work as Messengers:

1. Transcription: First, the DNA of a gene is copied into something called messenger RNA (mRNA). For instance, if a gene is about eye color, that information is turned into mRNA.

2. Translation: Next, tiny machines in our cells called ribosomes read the mRNA and use it to create a specific protein. So, if the mRNA says “blue eyes,” the ribosome will make a protein that helps give us blue eyes.

3. Protein Functions: After proteins are made, they can do many different jobs:

   • Enzymatic Action: Some proteins work like helpers, speeding up reactions in our bodies.
   • Structural Roles: Other proteins help form the structure of our bodies, like collagen in our skin, which keeps it strong and flexible.
   • Signaling: Many proteins act like hormones. They send messages that control things like how we grow or how our body uses energy.

By learning these steps, we can understand how important proteins are. They help turn the information from our genes into the traits we see in ourselves and other living things.