Final answer:
Amino acids are linked together end-to-end in long chains by peptide bonds, which are formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction releasing a water molecule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical bonds that join amino acids together in long chains are known as peptide bonds. These covalent bonds form when the carboxylic acid group of one amino acid reacts with the amine group of another, resulting in dehydration synthesis. This process releases a molecule of water and creates a peptide bond linking the two amino acids. A short chain of amino acids is referred to as a peptide or polypeptide, depending on the number of amino acids involved. When this chain grows long enough, it becomes a protein.
Each peptide bond allows for further extension of the amino acid chain by providing an unreacted group on both sides, facilitating the binding of additional amino acids. This is crucial in the formation of proteins, which are composed of one or more long polypeptide chains, and play vital roles in almost all biological processes.
The sequence and number of amino acids in these chains are what ultimately determine the protein's specific shape, size, and function. A larger collection of amino acids, often countless, forms large and complex proteins that are essential for life.