RNA that transfers each amino acid to the ribosome as specified by the coded instructions is called what?

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

Answer: (A)

Transfer RNA functions as the adaptor that delivers each amino acid to the ribosome according to the codons encoded in the mRNA. Each tRNA molecule is charged with a specific amino acid by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, forming a charged tRNA. The anticodon region of tRNA pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA inside the ribosome, ensuring the correct amino acid is added in the growing polypeptide chain. During translation, tRNAs move through the ribosome’s sites, and the ribosome catalyzes peptide bond formation between amino acids carried by adjacent tRNAs. In contrast, messenger RNA carries the genetic instructions, ribosomal RNA forms the ribosome itself, and small nuclear RNA participates in RNA splicing. So the RNA that transfers each amino acid to the ribosome as specified is transfer RNA.