What type of bond links amino acids together in proteins?

The type of bond that links amino acids together in proteins is a peptide bond. Peptide bonds form during a condensation reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another, resulting in the release of a water molecule. This covalent bond is essential for creating the primary structure of proteins, which dictates their overall function and shape.

Covalent bonds, while indeed very strong and relevant in the context of peptide bonds, specifically refer to the bonds that involve the sharing of electron pairs. In this instance, the specific type of covalent bond that connects amino acids is classified as a peptide bond.

Hydrogen bonds, although significant in stabilizing secondary and tertiary protein structures, do not link amino acids directly. Instead, they help maintain the shape after the peptide bonds have formed. Ionic bonds can play roles in protein stability and interactions but are not involved in the covalent linkage of amino acids themselves. Thus, the identification of peptide bonds as the key linkage in proteins is crucial for understanding their structure and function.