Transcription and translation are the two processes by which DNA is converted into functional proteins. Transcription occurs in the nucleus and involves RNA polymerase copying a DNA sequence into a messenger RNA (mRNA) strand. This mRNA is then transported out of the nucleus through nuclear pores into the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, translation occurs as ribosomes read the mRNA code in groups of three nucleotides (codons) and bind transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to add the corresponding amino acids together into a protein chain. The protein then folds into its final functional structure.