What type of bond links amino acids together in a protein?

The bond that links amino acids together in a protein is known as a peptide bond. This type of bond is formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction, which occurs when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another. As a result, a molecule of water is released, and a covalent bond is created between the carbon atom of the carboxyl group and the nitrogen atom of the amino group.

This unique bond is integral to protein structure, as it allows the linear sequence of amino acids, known as the polypeptide chain, to be formed. The sequence and the specific interactions of these amino acids will ultimately determine the protein's three-dimensional shape and its functional properties. Understanding the peptide bond is crucial as it represents the foundational link leading to the complex structures and functions of proteins in biological systems.