Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

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

Answer: (B)

During translation, the molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome is transfer RNA. Each tRNA is loaded with a specific amino acid by enzymes called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and has an anticodon that pairs with the corresponding codon on the messenger RNA. This pairing ensures the amino acids are added in the correct order to build the growing polypeptide, with the ribosome catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds between adjacent amino acids. The messenger RNA provides the template sequence of codons, but it does not deliver amino acids itself. Ribosomal RNA forms the structure and catalytic center of the ribosome, not the amino acid carriers, and DNA stores genetic information used to make mRNA.