And to prevent this from happening we don't actually want to use the DNA directly to synthesize the proteins every single time we need to produce some type of protein. So instead of continually using the DNA molecules over and over to produce proteins we use these intermediate nucleic acids known as RNA molecules. So an RNA molecule is essentially a copy of the segment of the DNA that we essentially want to use to carry out some type of function for example, produce some given protein. And by using these intermediate RNA molecules our cells eventually prevent damage to the DNA molecules. So what types of RNA molecules are found in our cells? Well, the three major components of the RNA molecules of our cells are the messenger RNA, mRNA transfer RNA tRNA and ribosomal RNA or RNA.