What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?

Amino acids in a protein are connected by covalent bonds, specifically peptide bonds. When two amino acids come together during protein synthesis, a condensation reaction occurs in which a molecule of water is released, and a covalent bond is formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. This process links the amino acids into a long chain, which ultimately folds into a functional protein.

Covalent bonds are strong and provide the necessary stability to the protein structure, allowing it to maintain its shape and functionality. The sequence of amino acids, determined by genetic information, is crucial in forming the unique structure and biological activity of each protein. While other types of bonds, such as hydrogen and disulfide bonds, play essential roles in stabilizing the protein's tertiary and quaternary structures, the primary linkage along the polypeptide chain is exclusively through covalent peptide bonds.