Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

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

Answer: (A)

Aminoacyl-tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Each tRNA molecule is charged with a specific amino acid by an enzyme, forming aminoacyl-tRNA, and carries an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA. This matching ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide as the ribosome moves along the mRNA, with tRNAs entering at the A site and the peptide bond forming with the chain on the tRNA in the P site. The other molecules have different roles: mRNA provides the genetic code, rRNA forms the ribosome and catalyzes peptide bond formation, and DNA stores genetic information and is not directly involved in the translation steps.