After translation, mRNA molecules can either be retranslated by ribosomes or degraded. The untranslated regions of the mRNA play a crucial role in determining their stability and lifespan, influencing how long they persist in the cell. Each mRNA has a unique half-life; some remain stable for extended periods while others are rapidly degraded. This variability affects the efficiency of protein synthesis, as mRNA serves as the template for protein production with the assistance of tRNA.