Protein synthesis is a two-step process of transcription and translation. In transcription, DNA in the nucleus is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) which carries the genetic code out of the nucleus. In translation, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules match amino acids to the mRNA codons and join the amino acids together to form a protein. The mRNA meets with ribosomes in the cytoplasm where tRNA brings amino acids to be polymerized into proteins according to the DNA instructions carried in the mRNA. Proteins perform important functions in the body such as fighting disease, building tissues, acting as enzymes, and forming cell membranes.