Which molecule carries amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis?

The molecule that carries amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis is transfer RNA, often abbreviated as tRNA. This specialized RNA plays a crucial role in the translation phase of protein synthesis, where the genetic information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to assemble proteins.

Each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon region that pairs with a corresponding codon on the mRNA strand, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This process is essential for translating the genetic code into functional proteins, as amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Each type of tRNA is linked to a specific amino acid, allowing it to deliver that amino acid to the ribosome where protein synthesis occurs.

In contrast, mRNA serves as a template for the sequence of amino acids, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of the ribosome and plays a supportive role in the assembly of proteins, and DNA provides the genetic blueprint but does not participate directly in the transport of amino acids. Thus, tRNA is uniquely suited for its role in transporting amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.