Question

Relatively small organic molecules with a central carbon atom which is bonded to a carboxyl group, an amino group, a carbon containing group, and a hydrogen atom are joined by ____________ to form _______________.

Answer 1

Small organic molecules called amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to form polypeptides or proteins. The central carbon atom in amino acids is attached to a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and a distinct side chain (R group). The peptide bond is formed through a condensation reaction between the amino and carboxyl groups of adjacent amino acids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Relatively small organic molecules with a central carbon atom which is bonded to a carboxyl group, an amino group, a carbon containing group, and a hydrogen atom are joined by peptide bonds to form polypeptides or proteins. These organic molecules are called amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins. A central carbon atom, also known as the alpha (a) carbon, is covalently bonded to four different groups: a carboxyl group (-COOH), an amino group (-NH₂), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R group). It is this side chain that differs among amino acids, conferring unique properties to each. When two amino acids join, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water in a condensation reaction and forming a peptide bond.