Which RNA type carries amino acids during protein synthesis?

• A. Small interfering RNA
• B. Transfer RNA
• C. Messenger RNA
• D. Ribosomal RNA

Answer: (B)

In translation, the RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome is transfer RNA, or tRNA. Each tRNA is charged with a specific amino acid by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and it has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the mRNA. This matching ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. The amino acid sits at the tRNA’s 3' end, ready to be joined to the chain as the ribosome moves along the mRNA. Other RNA types have different roles: siRNA is involved in gene silencing, mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, and rRNA forms the ribosome and helps catalyze peptide bond formation.