Messenger RNA, or mRNA for short, refers to the RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. There are several synonyms for messenger RNA, including transcript RNA, coding RNA, and information RNA. These terms all reference the same molecule and its function in transferring genetic information. In addition, the abbreviation mRNA is often used in scientific literature and discussions. Understanding the role of messenger RNA is critical to grasping the mechanisms of gene expression and protein synthesis, which are essential to all forms of life.