Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which type of RNA is crucial for the binding of the mRNA message during protein synthesis?

1. Messenger RNA

2. Transfer RNA

3. Ribosomal RNA

4. Regulatory RNA

The correct answer is: Ribosomal RNA

Ribosomal RNA plays a critical role in protein synthesis by forming the core structural and functional components of the ribosome, which is the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins. During this process, ribosomal RNA ensures the correct alignment of mRNA and tRNA, facilitating the binding of amino acids together in the proper sequence as dictated by the mRNA message. Ribosomal RNA provides the necessary environment and framework for the enzymatic activity that catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Without ribosomal RNA, the ribosome would not exist, and mRNA would be unable to be translated into proteins. Regarding the other types of RNA, messenger RNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, transfer RNA transports the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome for incorporation into the growing polypeptide chain, and regulatory RNA is involved in controlling the expression of genes but does not directly participate in the binding of mRNA during protein synthesis.