Which RNA molecule functions as an interpreter between nucleic acids and proteins by carrying amino acids?

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

Answer: (C)

Transfer RNA acts as the adaptor that translates the genetic code into a protein sequence. It is the molecule that carries a specific amino acid and recognizes the corresponding codon on the messenger RNA through its anticodon. This pairing ensures that each amino acid is added in the correct order during protein synthesis. The amino acid attached to each tRNA is done by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, which charge the tRNA with the right amino acid. Once the charged tRNA binds to the ribosome at the A site and the anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon, the ribosome catalyzes the peptide bond formation to extend the growing polypeptide chain.

Ribosomal RNA forms part of the ribosome itself and helps catalyze peptide bond formation but does not ferry amino acids. Messenger RNA carries the genetic message from DNA to the ribosome, providing the template for the protein sequence. Small nuclear RNA participates in processing of pre-mRNA in the nucleus, not in adding amino acids during protein synthesis.