The advantage of studying the mRNA present in a cell rather than the DNA is that the mRNA identifies which genes are expressed. mRNA is a transcription product of DNA, and it represents the genes that are currently being expressed or "turned on" in a cell. By studying the mRNA, researchers can gain insights into the specific genes and their activities in a particular cell or tissue type. This information can provide valuable insights into cellular processes, development, disease, and potential therapeutic targets.