Which process is responsible for maintaining the proteome after transcription?

The process responsible for maintaining the proteome after transcription is translation. Translation is the step in gene expression where the information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to synthesize proteins. After transcription, in which DNA is converted into mRNA, translation takes place in the ribosomes, where the mRNA serves as a template to assemble amino acids in the correct order to form a protein. This process is crucial for maintaining the proteome, as it directly produces the proteins that carry out various functions within the cell.

In contrast, replication pertains to the copying of DNA and is not involved in protein synthesis. Transcription, while essential for initiating the production of mRNA, does not directly contribute to the proteome since it is focused on creating RNA from the DNA template. Degradation can refer to the breakdown of proteins or mRNA, which is an important aspect of cellular regulation but does not maintain the proteome; instead, it can lead to a reduction in protein levels within the cell. Thus, translation is the process that directly contributes to the formation and maintenance of the proteome following transcription.