How are the three types of RNA different?

Each of the three types of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA) perform different functions in protein synthesis.

The three major types of RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) each perform different functions, but they work together to synthesize .

Messenger RNA (mRNA) Messenger RNA is the message, the "instruction manual" on the polypeptide sequence of the protein. mRNA is extracted from DNA, through a process called transcription. mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus, and after its synthesis, is modified to remove all introns (non-coding portions of DNA).

The mRNA is then transfered out of the nucleus to a ribosome, and is translated to form an amino acid sequence.

Transfer RNA (tRNA) Transfer RNA is used to deliver amino acids to the ribosome that is translating the mRNA. tRNA codes for a specific amino acid, and it matches its anticodon (a base triplet, such as GAU or something) to the matching codon on the mRNA, in order to bring the correct amino acid.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Ribosomal RNA is the ribosome. It synthesizes proteins and is made in the nucleoulus of the cell. Ribosomes translate mRNA and take the amino acids from tRNA in order to form a polypeptide, or a chain of amino acids.