In translation, which molecule carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome?

In translation, which molecule carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome?

• A. mRNA
• B. tRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. DNA

Answer: (A)

Messenger RNA carries the instructions from DNA to the ribosome for making a protein. After DNA is transcribed, the resulting mRNA exports from the nucleus and lines up with the ribosome. The ribosome reads the mRNA in codons and uses tRNA to bring the corresponding amino acids, assembling them in the correct order to form the protein. While tRNA brings amino acids and rRNA helps form the ribosome and catalyze the reaction, the actual message—the genetic code that specifies the sequence of amino acids—travels via mRNA, not DNA or the other RNA types.

Messenger RNA carries the instructions from DNA to the ribosome for making a protein. After DNA is transcribed, the resulting mRNA exports from the nucleus and lines up with the ribosome. The ribosome reads the mRNA in codons and uses tRNA to bring the corresponding amino acids, assembling them in the correct order to form the protein. While tRNA brings amino acids and rRNA helps form the ribosome and catalyze the reaction, the actual message—the genetic code that specifies the sequence of amino acids—travels via mRNA, not DNA or the other RNA types.