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

• A. Messenger RNA
• B. Protein synthesis
• C. Sex
• D. Transfer RNA

Answer: (D)

In translation, the adaptor role is played by transfer RNA. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with a corresponding codon on the messenger RNA, ensuring the amino acid is added in the sequence dictated by the genetic code. The ribosome uses these tRNAs to build the growing polypeptide chain, forming peptide bonds as each amino acid is brought in. Messenger RNA, by contrast, provides the code that specifies the order of amino acids but does not deliver them. The other options aren’t RNA molecules involved in delivering amino acids during protein synthesis, and one option is not even RNA at all.