| RNA type | Location of activity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) | Cytoplasm (ribosome) | Binding of mRNA and tRNA and protein synthesis |
| Messenger RNA (mRNA) | Cytoplasm | Carrier of gene sequence |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) | Cytoplasm | Adaptor between mRNA and protein sequences |
| MicroRNA (miRNA) | Nucleus and cytoplasm | Regulates transcription and translation |
| Small interfering RNA (siRNA) | Nucleus and cytoplasm | Regulates other RNAs |
| Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) | Nucleus | Mediates mRNA processing |