What type of RNA combines with specific amino acids during protein synthesis?

tRNA, or transfer RNA, plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by acting as a carrier for specific amino acids. During translation, tRNA molecules bind to their corresponding amino acids, which are determined by the anticodon sequence present on the tRNA. This anticodon is complementary to the codons on mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain based on the sequence of the mRNA.

This process is essential for building proteins according to genetic instructions. While mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA and rRNA is involved in the structural and functional components of ribosomes, tRNA is uniquely responsible for bringing the appropriate building blocks (amino acids) to the ribosome, where the translation process occurs. Thus, tRNA's function in linking amino acids to the corresponding codons on mRNA is integral to the synthesis of proteins.