Which molecule carries the amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain during translation?

• A. Transfer RNA
• B. Messenger RNA
• C. Ribosomal RNA
• D. Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Answer: (A)

Transfer RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Each tRNA is linked to a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the messenger RNA, guiding which amino acid is added next. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases attach the correct amino acid to its tRNA, forming an aminoacyl-tRNA that the ribosome uses to build the polypeptide chain through peptide bond formation. Messenger RNA provides the codon sequence that determines the order of amino acids but does not deliver the amino acids itself. Ribosomal RNA is part of the ribosome and helps its function, while DNA stores genetic information and serves as the transcription template.