messenger, transfer, and ribosomal
There are three types of RNA involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA mRNA , transfer RNA tRNA , and ribisomal RNA rRNA . All three of these nucleic acids work together to produce a protein. The mRNA takes the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where the ribosomes are located. Ribosomes are the organelles where the proteins are made. The ribosomes themselves are made out of rRNA and other proteins. The mRNA binds to the ribosome, bringing the genetic instructions to order the amino acids to the site of protein synthesis. Finally, the tRNA brings the correct amino acid to the ribosome Figure below and Figure below . In mRNA, the four nucleotides A, C, G, and U are arranged into codons of three bases each. Each codon encodes for a specific amino acid, except for the stop codons , which terminate protein synthesis. tRNA, which has a specific 3-leaf clover structure, contains a three base region called the anticodon , which can base pair to the corresponding three-base codon region on mRNA. More will be discussed on these processes in the Protein Synthesis: The Genetic Code Advanced and Protein Synthesis: Translation Advanced concepts.