Which type of RNA brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis?

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by serving as the molecule responsible for transporting amino acids to the ribosome. During the process of translation, tRNA recognizes the specific codons in messenger RNA (mRNA) and brings the corresponding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. The structure of tRNA includes an anticodon that is complementary to a codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added in accordance with the genetic code.

In the context of protein synthesis, tRNA not only delivers amino acids but also plays a role in establishing the sequence of amino acids that will ultimately form a protein. This makes it an essential component in the translation stage following transcription of DNA to mRNA.

Messenger RNA serves as the template that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, ribosomal RNA is a structural component of the ribosome itself, and small nuclear RNA is involved in the processing of mRNA. While all these types of RNA contribute to the overall process of gene expression, it is specifically transfer RNA that is tasked with the delivery of amino acids necessary for building proteins.