The 3 Types of RNA and Their Functions

One common homework and test question asks students  to name the three types of RNA and list their functions. There are several types of ribonucleic acid, or RNA, but most RNA falls into one of three categories. mRNA or Messenger RNA mRNA transcribes the genetic code from DNA into a form that can be read and used to make proteins. mRNA carries genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of a cell. rRNA or Ribosomal RNA rRNA is located in the cytoplasm of a cell, where ribosomes are found. rRNA directs the translation of mRNA into proteins. tRNA or Transfer RNA Like rRNA, tRNA is located in the cellular cytoplasm and is involved in protein synthesis. Transfer RNA brings or transfers amino acids to the ribosome that corresponds to each three-nucleotide codon of rRNA. The amino acids then can be joined together and processed to make polypeptides and proteins.