Which RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis?

• A. mRNA
• B. rRNA
• C. tRNA
• D. miRNA

Answer: (C)

In translation, the adaptor RNA called tRNA ferries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the mRNA codons. Each tRNA is charged with its specific amino acid by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, so the correct amino acid is carried to the growing polypeptide chain. The tRNA’s anticodon pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA, positioning the amino acid so a peptide bond can form with the previous one on the ribosome. After the amino acid is added, the tRNA is freed to pick up another amino acid. The other RNA types have different roles: mRNA provides the code, rRNA forms the ribosome’s structural and catalytic core, and miRNA helps regulate gene expression.