Which RNA molecule carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes for protein synthesis?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis by serving as the molecule that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes. During transcription, the information encoded in a gene within the DNA is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then exits the nucleus and travels to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for assembling amino acids into proteins.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key component of ribosomes, facilitating the translation of mRNA, but it does not carry the genetic code itself. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is responsible for bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during translation based on the sequence of codons in the mRNA, but again, it does not carry the initial genetic code. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is involved in splicing the pre-mRNA into mature mRNA and plays a role in RNA processing, rather than directly conveying the genetic information for protein synthesis.

Thus, mRNA is specifically designed for the purpose of carrying the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, making it the correct answer in this context.