Which type of RNA transports genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it directs protein synthesis?

The Correct answer is mRNA.

Key Points

• mRNA stands for messenger RNA.
• It is responsible for transporting genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.
• During the process of transcription, DNA is used as a template to produce mRNA.
• The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in a protein, following the rules of the genetic code.
• mRNA carries codons, which are specific sequences of three nucleotides that code for a particular amino acid.
• It plays a crucial role in the process of translation, where ribosomes decode the mRNA to synthesize proteins.
• mRNA has a short life span in the cell, as it is degraded after the protein synthesis process is complete.
• Its primary role is to act as an intermediary between the genetic material (DNA) and the machinery responsible for protein production.

 Additional Information

• tRNA
  • tRNA stands for transfer RNA.
  • It plays a role in translation by bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome based on the codons in the mRNA.
  • Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA.
• snRNA
  • snRNA stands for small nuclear RNA.
  • It is primarily involved in the process of splicing during the maturation of pre-mRNA in the nucleus.
  • snRNAs are a component of spliceosomes, which remove introns from pre-mRNA.
• rRNA
  • rRNA stands for ribosomal RNA.
  • It is a structural and functional component of ribosomes, which are the sites of protein synthesis.
  • rRNA helps to catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during translation.