The RNA species that travels from the nucleus to the cytoplasm carrying the coded message specifying the sequence of amino acids in the protein to be made is
a. mRNA
b. tRNA
c. rRNA
d. all of these

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the roles of different RNA types in protein synthesis. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where proteins are made.
2. Step 2: Recognize that transfer RNA (tRNA) brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis but does not carry the coded message from the nucleus.
3. Step 3: Know that ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and functional component of ribosomes, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into proteins, but it does not carry the genetic code.
4. Step 4: Identify that the RNA species responsible for traveling from the nucleus to the cytoplasm carrying the coded message specifying the amino acid sequence is mRNA.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is mRNA, as it is the RNA that transmits the genetic information needed for protein synthesis.

Key Concepts

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

mRNA is the RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. It contains codons that specify the sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

tRNA is responsible for bringing the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA recognizes specific codons on the mRNA through its anticodon and helps assemble the amino acid chain.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

rRNA is a structural and functional component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery where proteins are synthesized. It helps catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids during translation.