What are the basic building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. Each protein is made up of long chains of amino acids, which are linked together by peptide bonds. There are 20 different amino acids that can combine in various sequences to form a wide array of proteins, each serving specific functions within the body. The sequence of amino acids determines the protein's unique structure and function, making them essential for various biological processes, including enzyme activity, hormonal balance, immune responses, and muscle structure.

Sugars, nucleotides, and fatty acids serve different roles in biological systems. Sugars are primarily involved in energy storage and provision as carbohydrates. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, which are crucial for genetic information storage and transfer. Fatty acids are components of lipids, which play vital roles in energy storage and cellular structure. While all these molecules are critical for life, they do not form proteins, which is exclusively the role of amino acids.