Which molecule is single-stranded and plays a major role in protein synthesis?

Which molecule is single-stranded and plays a major role in protein synthesis?

• A. DNA
• B. RNA
• C. Chromosome
• D. Nucleotide

Answer: (B)

RNA is the molecule that is single-stranded and plays a major role in protein synthesis. DNA is double-stranded and serves as the store of genetic information, mostly staying in the nucleus. A chromosome is a structure that bundles DNA and proteins inside the cell; it’s not a standalone single molecule responsible for protein construction. A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids, so while it’s essential, it’s not the single molecule that directly carries out the process of making proteins. In protein synthesis, RNA has several key roles. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are built. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the codons on mRNA. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) forms the core of the ribosome and helps catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. The single-stranded nature of RNA allows it to fold into diverse shapes needed for these interactions and functions, enabling the precise decoding and assembly of proteins.

RNA is the molecule that is single-stranded and plays a major role in protein synthesis. DNA is double-stranded and serves as the store of genetic information, mostly staying in the nucleus. A chromosome is a structure that bundles DNA and proteins inside the cell; it’s not a standalone single molecule responsible for protein construction. A nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids, so while it’s essential, it’s not the single molecule that directly carries out the process of making proteins.

In protein synthesis, RNA has several key roles. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are built. Transfer RNA (tRNA) brings specific amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the codons on mRNA. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) forms the core of the ribosome and helps catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. The single-stranded nature of RNA allows it to fold into diverse shapes needed for these interactions and functions, enabling the precise decoding and assembly of proteins.