Proteins are composed of building blocks called what?

Proteins are made up of building blocks known as amino acids. These organic compounds contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain that determines the characteristics of each amino acid. In the process of protein synthesis, amino acids link together through peptide bonds to form polypeptides, which then fold into specific three-dimensional structures to create functional proteins.

Understanding the role of amino acids is crucial because they are essential for various biological processes, including enzyme function, cellular signaling, and structural support in tissues. The human body requires 20 different amino acids to create proteins, some of which can be synthesized internally, while others must be obtained through diet.

In contrast, nucleotides are the monomers that make up nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, fatty acids are the basic components of lipids, and carbohydrates are composed of sugar molecules. Each of these other building blocks serves different roles in biological systems, which is why they are not relevant in the context of protein structure.