In what way do amino acids contribute to protein structure?

Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. When amino acids sequence together, they form peptide bonds, which link the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another. This process is essential for creating polypeptides, which are chains of amino acids. The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide determines the protein's primary structure and ultimately influences how the protein will fold and function.

Additionally, the sequence of amino acids can also affect the higher levels of protein structure, such as secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (three-dimensional shape), and quaternary (assembly of multiple polypeptide chains). Thus, the formation of peptide bonds through the sequencing of amino acids is key to establishing the primary structure of proteins, making it a critical step in their overall structure and function.