Final answer:
The statement is true; mRNA must be transcribed from DNA in the nucleus before translation can take place in the cytoplasm where the mRNA guides protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true. Before the process of translation can occur, the step of transcription must take place within the nucleus of the cell. During transcription, messenger RNA (mRNA) is created from a DNA template. This mRNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid that carries the genetic instructions from DNA out of the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, mRNA provides the necessary instructions to a ribosome to synthesize a protein in a process known as translation. It is also important to note that in eukaryotes, such as humans, before mRNA leaves the nucleus, it undergoes several modifications such as the addition of a 5' cap, poly-A tail, and the splicing of exons after the excision of introns.