__________ RNA carries amino acids.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of RNA involved in protein synthesis that is responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome.
2. Recall that there are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA).
3. Understand the role of each RNA type: mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA, rRNA forms the core of the ribosome's structure, and tRNA transports amino acids.
4. Recognize that the RNA which physically carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation is transfer RNA (tRNA).
5. Conclude that the correct answer to fill in the blank is 'transfer' RNA, often abbreviated as tRNA.

Key Concepts

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that transports specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. During translation, amino acids are linked together in a sequence dictated by mRNA to form proteins, with tRNA molecules delivering the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome.

Protein Synthesis (Translation)

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins based on the genetic code carried by mRNA. Translation involves decoding mRNA sequences into amino acid chains, with tRNA playing a key role in matching amino acids to mRNA codons.