7.3.3 Amino Acids

Key Properties of Amino Acids:

• Self-Reaction: Amino acids can react with each other through a process called condensation polymerisation. In this reaction, amino acids link together to form long chains known as polypeptides.

Polypeptides:

• Peptide Bonds: The bonds that connect amino acids in a polypeptide chain are called peptide bonds. A peptide bond is a special link where a carbon atom is double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a nitrogen atom, which is then connected to another carbon atom.
• Chain Formation: Polypeptides can be made up of repeating units of the same amino acid or different amino acids arranged in various patterns. These long chains of amino acids fold into specific shapes to form proteins, which are essential for all living organisms.

Condensation Reaction:

• Since polypeptides are formed from condensation reactions, there will be an additional product in the form of a molecule of water.