What are the basic building blocks of proteins?

The basic building blocks of proteins are amino acids. Proteins are large biomolecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Each amino acid has a unique side chain or R group that distinguishes it from other amino acids and influences the structure and function of the protein. The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its specific shape and function, which is essential for proper cellular activity and biological processes.

Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds in a linear sequence. This process is known as protein synthesis, which occurs in ribosomes during translation of messenger RNA (mRNA). There are 20 different amino acids commonly found in proteins, and variations in the combination and order of these amino acids lead to the vast diversity of protein structures and functions in living organisms.

While nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA), fatty acids are components of lipids, and monosaccharides are the simplest forms of carbohydrates. Each of these has distinct roles and structures that are critical to cellular function but are not involved in forming proteins.