Final answer:
Amino acids can form long peptide chains to create proteins because they contain amino and carboxyl groups that react through dehydration synthesis to form peptide bonds. This biochemical process is essential for creating the diverse array of proteins necessary for life, and the sequence in which amino acids are linked is vital for protein function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure of amino acids allows them to be linked into long peptide chains to form proteins because of the presence of reactive functional groups in their structure. Each amino acid has an amino group (H2N-) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). When amino acids bond, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water, to form a peptide bonds. , also known as an amide bond. This dehydration synthesis reaction enables the formation of dipeptides, tripeptides, oligopeptides, and polypeptides, which can ultimately lead to the creation of large and complex proteins.
Amino acids combine in a specific order, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the formed protein. The diversity of proteins is also vast due to the 20 different amino acids that can be arranged in a multitude of sequences, just like letters forming words. Since the body does not store amino acids like it does with carbohydrates or fats, it's important to consistently include them in your diet, especially the nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize.