Which RNA molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to codons on the mRNA?

• A. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
• B. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
• C. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
• D. Small Nuclear RNA (snRNA)

Answer: (C)

Transfer RNA acts as the adaptor in protein synthesis. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA inside the ribosome. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added in the right order to the growing polypeptide chain. The amino acid is attached to its tRNA by an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, forming an aminoacyl-tRNA before delivery. In contrast, messenger RNA provides the code, ribosomal RNA is part of the ribosome's structure and catalytic core, and small nuclear RNA participates in mRNA splicing. So the RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to mRNA codons is transfer RNA.