Which class of RNA is responsible for transferring genetic information from chromosomes to ribosomes?

Prepare for the HOSA Biomedical Laboratory Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your exam!

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for carrying genetic information from the DNA in the chromosomes to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This function is essential because mRNA serves as a template that encodes the amino acid sequence of a protein. The process begins with transcription, where a segment of DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus. Once synthesized, the mRNA exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA to assemble the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain during translation.

The other classes of RNA serve different functions; for instance, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a critical component of the ribosome itself, helping to form its structure and facilitating the translation process. Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a role in transporting the correct amino acids to the ribosome based on the codons present in the mRNA sequence, while small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is involved in the processing of pre-mRNA in the nucleus, particularly in splicing introns from the pre-mRNA molecule. Thus, mRNA's unique role in transporting genetic information to the ribosomes makes it the correct answer.

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