What role does RNA play in protein synthesis?

RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis primarily by carrying instructions from DNA. Specifically, messenger RNA (mRNA) is produced during transcription, where it transcribes the genetic code from DNA. This mRNA then travels from the nucleus to the ribosome, the cellular machinery responsible for translating the genetic code into a specific sequence of amino acids, ultimately forming a protein.

This process highlights the importance of RNA as a critical intermediary between the genetic information stored in DNA and the functional proteins that are essential for various cellular processes. By facilitating this transfer of information, RNA enables the synthesis of proteins that carry out the cell's functions and contribute to the organism's traits and characteristics.

Other options focus on incorrect roles of RNA; for instance, while RNA can have catalytic functions in some cases (like ribozymes), that is not its primary role in protein synthesis. Similarly, while some types of RNA participate in gene regulation, RNA itself does not store genetic information like DNA nor does it protect DNA from mutations.