Which type of RNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where protein synthesis occurs. This process begins with transcription, where a segment of DNA is transcribed to produce mRNA. Once formed, mRNA exits the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm, where ribosomes read its sequence of codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid in the protein being synthesized.

In contrast, transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for transporting the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during translation, while ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key structural and functional component of the ribosome itself, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into proteins. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) plays a role in RNA processing and splicing but is not directly involved in the translation of genetic information into proteins. Thus, mRNA is essential for conveying the genetic blueprint needed for protein synthesis.