The 3 Types of RNA and Their Functions

They are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA

The three main types of ribonucleic acid or RNA are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
PASIEKA/SPL/Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Learn about our Editorial Process
Updated on September 12, 2019

One common homework and test question asks students to name the three types of RNA and list their functions. There are several types of ribonucleic acid, or RNA, but most RNA falls into one of three categories.

mRNA or Messenger RNA

mRNA transcribes the genetic code from DNA into a form that can be read and used to make proteins. mRNA carries genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of a cell.

rRNA or Ribosomal RNA

rRNA is located in the cytoplasm of a cell, where ribosomes are found. rRNA directs the translation of mRNA into proteins.

tRNA or Transfer RNA

Like rRNA, tRNA is located in the cellular cytoplasm and is involved in protein synthesis. Transfer RNA brings or transfers amino acids to the ribosome that corresponds to each three-nucleotide codon of rRNA. The amino acids then can be joined together and processed to make polypeptides and proteins.

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The 3 Types of RNA and Their Functions." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/types-of-rna-and-their-functions-606386. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). The 3 Types of RNA and Their Functions. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-rna-and-their-functions-606386 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "The 3 Types of RNA and Their Functions." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-rna-and-their-functions-606386 (accessed June 6, 2023).