What is the main function of RNA in cells?

The main function of RNA in cells is to produce proteins. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, plays a crucial role in the process of transcription and translation within the central dogma of molecular biology. During transcription, RNA is synthesized from a DNA template, creating messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized.

In the translation process, the mRNA sequence is read by ribosomes, and transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the appropriate amino acids that correspond to each codon on the mRNA strand. This assembly of amino acids forms polypeptides, which fold into functional proteins, essential for various cellular functions and structures.

While other macromolecules, such as DNA, serve the purpose of storing genetic information, RNA's distinct role in protein synthesis highlights its importance in cellular processes. Therefore, recognizing RNA's primary role in producing proteins is fundamental to understanding its function within the cell.