What are the building blocks of proteins?

Proteins are macromolecules composed of long chains of amino acids, which serve as their fundamental building blocks. Each amino acid contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain or R group that determines the properties of the amino acid. The sequence and arrangement of these amino acids dictate a protein's structure and function.

Proteins perform a multitude of critical roles within biological systems, including acting as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, and structural components of cells and tissues. The specific order of amino acids in a protein is determined by the genetic code and is crucial for the protein's proper functioning.

While other components like nucleotides are important for nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, fatty acids are constituents of lipids, and monosaccharides are the basic units of carbohydrates, they do not contribute to the structure of proteins. Thus, amino acids are the sole building blocks of proteins, making them essential for understanding protein synthesis and function.