Final answer:
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the most abundant type of RNA found in cells, far exceeding the quantity of mRNA, tRNA, and miRNA. rRNA is a key component of ribosomes, which are vital for protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of RNA present in the highest amount in cells is ribosomal RNA (rRNA). rRNA forms the structural and enzymatic components of ribosomes, which are the sites for protein synthesis in the cell. This type of RNA is crucial as it combines with proteins to make up the large and small subunits of ribosomes.
While messenger RNA (mRNA) is essential for transferring the genetic code from DNA to the sites of protein synthesis, it is present in much smaller quantities compared to rRNA. In addition to rRNA and mRNA, cells also contain transfer RNA (tRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), with tRNA being responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosomes during protein assembly, and miRNA being involved in gene expression regulation.