Final answer:
The type of RNA that carries groups of three nucleotides called codons, each coding for an amino acid, is messenger RNA (mRNA). Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) also play important roles in the process of assembling proteins during translation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of RNA that carries information in groups of three nucleotides called codons with each coding for a specific amino acid is messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA is read by the ribosome in sets of three bases known as codons during the process of protein synthesis. Additionally, transfer RNA (tRNA) recognizes codons on the mRNA and brings the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome to be added to the growing polypeptide chain. This process of translation ensures that the protein is assembled correctly according to the genetic instructions carried by the mRNA.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is another type of RNA that plays a critical role in translation. It is a major constituent of ribosomes and ensures the proper alignment of mRNA and the ribosomes. rRNA has an enzymatic activity, specifically peptidyl transferase, which catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between adjacent amino acids as they are added to the growing protein chain.
tRNA is one of the smallest types of RNA, which serves as an adaptor molecule during protein synthesis, binding to specific amino acids and recognizing one or more mRNA codons that dictate the order of amino acids in a protein.