Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis?

Transfer RNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

Each transfer RNA, or tRNA, has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA. It also has an attachment site for an amino acid, which is added by a specific aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. This pairing system helps translate nucleotide sequences into protein sequences.

During translation, the ribosome reads messenger RNA codons in order. Correctly matched tRNAs enter the ribosome, and the growing polypeptide chain is extended by peptide-bond formation. The tRNA is then released and can be charged again.

Messenger RNA supplies the coded instructions, while ribosomal RNA forms much of the ribosome’s structure and catalytic center. Keeping these roles distinct prevents a common mix-up among the three major RNA types.