Final answer:
A peptide bond is formed between two amino acids through a dehydration synthesis, linking the amine group of one amino acid to the carboxyl carbon of the other and releasing water, which facilitates the creation of proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formation of a peptide bond is a key process in the synthesis of proteins. It involves condensation synthesis, also known as dehydration synthesis, where the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another. During this reaction, a molecule of water is released, and an amide bond is formed between the amino acids.
This bond occurs between the amine nitrogen of one amino acid and the carboxyl carbon of the other. Importantly, the specific side chains (designated as R1 and R2) of the amino acids do not participate in the bond formation; they may vary and are what differentiate one amino acid from another.
As amino acids link together through these peptide bonds, they form chains known as polypeptides. When polypeptides fold and functionally activate, they become proteins. The sequence of amino acids in these chains determines the properties and function of the resulting protein. Thanks to peptide bonds, a vast array of proteins is possible, with an equally diverse range of biological functions.