What is the primary function of messenger RNA in a cell?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) serves the vital role of carrying genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. This process is essential for gene expression, as mRNA is transcribed from DNA and acts as a template during translation to specify the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Once mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus, it travels to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) work together to translate the encoded information into a functional protein. This transport function is crucial since ribosomes, the molecular machines that catalyze protein synthesis, are located outside the nucleus.

The other options reflect different aspects of cellular biology but do not relate directly to the primary role of mRNA. Catalyzing biochemical reactions is primarily the role of enzymes. Genetic information storage is mainly the function of DNA. Transporting amino acids is the job of transfer RNA, which brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Thus, the choice highlighting mRNA’s role in carrying genetic information to ribosomes accurately describes its primary function in the cell.