Which type of nucleic acid is primarily responsible for protein synthesis?

The type of nucleic acid that is primarily responsible for protein synthesis is RNA. While DNA serves as the blueprint for genetic information stored in cells, it is RNA that plays a critical role in translating this information into proteins.

In the process of protein synthesis, messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized from a DNA template during transcription. This mRNA then carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis. At the ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA) facilitates the assembly of amino acids into a polypeptide chain, guided by the sequence of codons on the mRNA.

Although mRNA and tRNA are critical for specific functions in the process of protein synthesis, RNA as a broader category encompasses all types, including mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), which also plays a structural and functional role in the ribosomes. Therefore, RNA is the most encompassing answer when considering the overall responsibility for protein synthesis.