What are the basic building blocks of proteins?

What are the basic building blocks of proteins?

• A. Nucleotides
• B. Fatty acids
• C. Saccharides
• D. Amino acids

Answer: (D)

Proteins are polymers built from amino acids, the basic units that define their structure and function. Each amino acid has an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a distinctive side chain; these units link together by peptide bonds through dehydration synthesis to form long chains. The sequence and chemical properties of the amino acids determine how the chain folds into a three-dimensional shape, which in turn enables the protein to carry out specific jobs such as speeding up reactions, signaling, or providing structural support. The other options correspond to building blocks of other biomolecules: nucleotides for nucleic acids, fatty acids for lipids, and saccharides for carbohydrates.

Proteins are polymers built from amino acids, the basic units that define their structure and function. Each amino acid has an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a distinctive side chain; these units link together by peptide bonds through dehydration synthesis to form long chains. The sequence and chemical properties of the amino acids determine how the chain folds into a three-dimensional shape, which in turn enables the protein to carry out specific jobs such as speeding up reactions, signaling, or providing structural support. The other options correspond to building blocks of other biomolecules: nucleotides for nucleic acids, fatty acids for lipids, and saccharides for carbohydrates.