Messenger RNA (mRNA) is classified as a nucleic acid, which is one of the four major types of macromolecules found in biological systems. Nucleic acids are essential for life, as they store and transmit genetic information. mRNA is a single-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis.
During transcription, a specific segment of DNA is copied into mRNA, which then carries the genetic instructions to the ribosome, the site of protein synthesis in the cell. Here, the information carried by the mRNA is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids, eventually forming a protein.
In summary, mRNA is a vital nucleic acid macromolecule that serves as a messenger, conveying genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein production.