American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What is the function of ribonucleic acid (RNA)?

1. Transcribes DNA

2. Stores genetic information

3. Synthesizes carbohydrates

4. Transports nutrients

The correct answer is: Transcribes DNA

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) plays a crucial role in the process of gene expression and protein synthesis, making the transcription of DNA its primary function. During transcription, RNA polymerase reads the DNA sequence of a gene and synthesizes a corresponding RNA molecule. This RNA can take various forms, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic blueprint from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized. In contrast, while DNA serves as the main storage for genetic information, RNA acts as a mediator that translates that information into functional proteins. Other roles of RNA include different types, such as ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA), which assist in the translation of mRNA into proteins. The alternative choices relate to functions that do not accurately describe RNA's role, as RNA does not store genetic information, synthesize carbohydrates, or transport nutrients in the way that these options imply.