Proteins are made up of smaller units called monomers, which are known as amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins, each with a unique side chain that contributes to the protein’s structure and function.
The monomers, amino acids, are held together by peptide bonds. A peptide bond is a type of covalent bond that occurs when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water in a process known as dehydration synthesis. This bond forms a chain of amino acids, which ultimately folds into a specific three-dimensional shape, crucial for the protein’s activity.
In summary, the monomers of proteins are amino acids, and they are linked together by peptide bonds, which play a vital role in forming the complex structures of proteins necessary for life.