Which type of RNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome?

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

Answer: (D)

Messenger RNA carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where that information is used to direct protein synthesis. It is produced by transcription of a gene and provides the codon sequence that specifies the order of amino acids in a growing polypeptide. After processing in eukaryotes and export to the cytoplasm, ribosomes read the mRNA codons during translation, while transfer RNAs bring the corresponding amino acids. The other RNA types have different roles: transfer RNA delivers amino acids, ribosomal RNA forms and helps catalyze the ribosome’s activity, and small nuclear RNA is involved in RNA processing. So the RNA that bridges DNA and the protein-building machinery is messenger RNA.