What type of RNA carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosomes?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of gene expression. It is synthesized in the nucleus during transcription and carries the genetic information encoded in DNA to the ribosomes, where protein synthesis occurs. The mRNA serves as a template for the ribosomes to read the sequence of nucleotides and translate it into a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately forming proteins.

This process is essential because it ensures that the genetic instructions contained in DNA are expressed in a functional form. The other types of RNA have different functions in the cell. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key component of ribosomes and helps in protein synthesis but does not carry genetic information. Transfer RNA (tRNA) transports amino acids to the ribosome during translation, helping to incorporate the correct amino acids into the growing polypeptide chain, but it does not carry the genetic code itself. Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is involved in the processing of pre-mRNA in the nucleus but does not participate in transporting genetic information to the ribosomes. Thus, mRNA is specifically responsible for transporting the genetic code from the nucleus to where proteins are synthesized, making it the correct answer.