What are the building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. Proteins are macromolecules that perform a vast array of functions within biological organisms, and their structure is defined by the sequence and arrangement of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that can combine in various sequences to form proteins, each contributing unique properties to the resulting molecule.

The order of these amino acids determines the protein's shape and function, influencing everything from enzymes to structural components in cells. When proteins are synthesized in the body, amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds in a process called translation, which occurs in the ribosome during protein synthesis.

The other choices do not serve as building blocks for proteins. Fatty acids are the basic units of lipids, nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids (like DNA and RNA), and carbohydrates consist of simple sugars, which serve primarily as energy sources and structural components, but not as building blocks for proteins. Understanding the distinct roles of amino acids in protein synthesis is crucial for grasping foundational concepts in biology and biochemistry.