Which molecule carries the code for producing proteins in a cell?

The molecule that carries the code for producing proteins in a cell is RNA. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis. It is transcribed from DNA, which serves as the template for building RNA molecules. Once synthesized, messenger RNA (mRNA) is responsible for conveying the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized.

During translation, ribosomes read the sequence of codons in the mRNA, and transfer RNA (tRNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to assemble the protein according to the genetic instructions encoded in the mRNA. This central dogma of molecular biology highlights the critical role of RNA as the intermediary between DNA and protein, facilitating the expression of genes and the production of proteins necessary for various cellular functions.

In contrast, while DNA is the original source of genetic information, it does not directly participate in the process of protein synthesis. Proteins themselves are the end products of this process, and enzymes are specialized proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions but do not carry genetic information. Thus, RNA is the correct answer as it actively participates in the transmission of genetic information required to produce proteins.