What is the role of exons in DNA?

Exons play a crucial role in the coding aspect of DNA. They are the segments of a gene that are expressed and translated into proteins. During the process of gene expression, exons are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) and then translated to form proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions. Each exon corresponds to specific amino acids in the protein sequence, thereby determining the structure and function of the protein that will ultimately be produced.

In contrast to exons, introns are the non-coding segments that are removed during RNA processing. While some choices mention processes or elements related to RNA and DNA, they do not accurately describe the primary function of exons in coding for amino acids, which is essential for protein synthesis. Thus, the correct choice highlights the integral role of exons in the overall flow of genetic information and protein production.