What is the primary role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the cell?

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The primary role of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the cell is protein synthesis. RNA acts as a crucial intermediary in the process of translating the genetic information encoded in DNA into proteins, which perform a vast array of functions within organisms.

During protein synthesis, messenger RNA (mRNA) is transcribed from a DNA template. This mRNA carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosomes, the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. At the ribosome, transfer RNA (tRNA) transports specific amino acids corresponding to the codons in the mRNA sequence. The assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains, guided by the sequence of the mRNA, ultimately results in the formation of proteins. This process is essential for cell function, growth, and repair.

Other options do not accurately describe the primary role of RNA. While DNA is responsible for the long-term storage of genetic information, RNA functions more dynamically in relaying and executing that information through protein synthesis. Energy transfer is primarily facilitated by molecules like ATP, and cell division involves processes such as mitosis and meiosis, which are not directly governed by RNA. Thus, the central role of RNA in translating genetic codes into functional proteins establishes its significance in cellular biology.

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