Question:medium

In general, the smallest RNA is __________.

Show Hint

This RNA folds into a compact cloverleaf shape and is only about 75 to 90 nucleotides long.
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • mRNA
  • rRNA
  • tRNA
  • double-stranded RNA
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Comparing the three principal RNA types involved in protein synthesis by their typical length helps answer this question: mRNA length tracks the size of the protein-coding gene it is transcribed from, so it can run into thousands of nucleotides for large proteins.
Step 2: rRNA as a class includes very large molecules that form the core of ribosomal subunits, so even though a small rRNA species like 5S rRNA exists, the class overall skews large.
Step 3: tRNA, in contrast, is a uniformly compact adaptor molecule of only about 75 to 90 nucleotides across virtually all its varieties, folding into the characteristic cloverleaf structure. This consistent small size is why tRNA is generally considered the smallest of the major RNA classes.
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