Which RNA type carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome (the messenger)?

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

Answer: (D)

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, and the RNA that carries that coding message from transcription to the ribosome for translation is messenger RNA. Messenger RNA contains the codon sequence that specifies the order of amino acids in a protein, acting as the actual template read by the ribosome during protein synthesis. In contrast, transfer RNA delivers individual amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain but does not transmit the genetic code itself. Ribosomal RNA forms the structural and catalytic core of the ribosome rather than carrying the genetic message. Small nuclear RNA participates in RNA processing, such as splicing, not in conveying genetic information to the ribosome. Therefore, the RNA type that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome is messenger RNA.