Which term describes a nucleic acid responsible for protein synthesis based on DNA coding?

RNA is the term that describes the nucleic acid responsible for protein synthesis based on DNA coding. During the process of transcription, the information encoded in a gene within DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then serves as a template for translation, where ribosomes read the sequence of nucleotides and assemble amino acids into a polypeptide chain, ultimately leading to protein synthesis.

The role of RNA is crucial because it acts as the intermediary between the genetic code contained in DNA and the production of proteins, which are essential for various cellular functions. In addition to mRNA, other types of RNA, such as transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), also play important roles in the process of translation.

In contrast, DNA serves as the genetic blueprint but does not directly take part in protein synthesis. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins but are not nucleic acids. Proteins themselves are the end products of the protein synthesis process, not the nucleic acid responsible for carrying the information for that synthesis. Thus, RNA is the correct answer as it directly links DNA to protein synthesis.