Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, is a molecule essential for various biological roles in cells. It is primarily involved in the process of translating genetic information from DNA into proteins, which perform numerous functions in living organisms. RNA is typically single-stranded and consists of a sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of the molecule.
There are several types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Each type plays a specific role in protein synthesis. For example, mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are assembled, while tRNA helps transport amino acids to the ribosomes during this process.