Which RNA type carries amino acids to the ribosome?

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

Answer: (C)

During protein synthesis, the RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome is transfer RNA, or tRNA. Each tRNA is charged with a specific amino acid by enzymes called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, so it brings the correct building block for the growing polypeptide. The tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on messenger RNA, ensuring the amino acid it carries is added in the right position according to the genetic code. The ribosome uses this interaction to align the tRNA and catalyze peptide bond formation between adjacent amino acids.

Other RNA types have different roles: mRNA provides the code in codons that specify which amino acids to add; rRNA forms the structural and catalytic core of the ribosome; snRNA participates in RNA splicing. Thus, the RNA type that transports amino acids to the ribosome is tRNA.