Which RNA molecule is responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during translation?

Transfer RNA, often abbreviated as tRNA, plays a critical role in the process of translation by bringing amino acids to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that is complementary to the codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA) strand. During translation, the ribosome facilitates the binding of the tRNA anticodon with the mRNA codon, ensuring that the correct amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.

In contrast, messenger RNA serves as the template that provides the sequence of nucleotides which will dictate the order of amino acids in a protein, ribosomal RNA is a structural and functional component of the ribosome itself, and small nuclear RNA is involved in the processing of pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells. The specialized function of tRNA in transporting amino acids is what sets it apart and makes it the correct answer in this context.