What type of RNA is primarily responsible for carrying the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of gene expression by serving as the intermediary that carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The process begins when a gene is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus. This mRNA then exits the nucleus and travels to the ribosome, where the sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately forming a protein.

In contrast to mRNA, transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during translation, while ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and functional component of the ribosome itself, facilitating the translation process. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a role in gene regulation by inhibiting the expression of specific mRNAs but does not carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.

Thus, because mRNA directly transmits the genetic code necessary for protein synthesis, it is the correct answer to the question regarding which type of RNA is primarily responsible for this critical function.