What type of bond connects amino acids in proteins?

The type of bond that connects amino acids in proteins is the peptide bond. This bond forms during a dehydration synthesis reaction, also known as a condensation reaction, where the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water. This process links the two amino acids together, resulting in a dipeptide, and can continue to create polypeptides or proteins as more amino acids are added.

Peptide bonds are significant because they determine the primary structure of proteins, influencing their shape and function. Each peptide bond creates a backbone that holds the amino acids in a specific sequence, which is crucial for the protein's ultimate three-dimensional structure and activity.

Other types of bonds mentioned—glycosidic bonds link sugars in carbohydrates, ester bonds are found in lipids connecting fatty acids to glycerol, and hydrogen bonds are crucial for the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins but do not connect amino acids directly—highlight the distinct roles different bonds play within biological macromolecules. Thus, peptide bonds are uniquely responsible for linking amino acids in the formation of proteins.