What are the building blocks of proteins called?

The building blocks of proteins are called amino acids. These organic compounds consist of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain, which determines the characteristics of each amino acid. Proteins are formed through the process of protein synthesis, where amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains. This sequence and arrangement of amino acids ultimately determine the specific structure and function of the protein in the body.

In contrast to amino acids, carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules and primarily serve as a source of energy. Fatty acids are components of lipids and play roles in energy storage and cell structure. Nucleotides, on the other hand, are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA and are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Thus, the significance of amino acids lies in their role as the fundamental units from which proteins are constructed, making them essential for various biological functions and processes.