The phrase "linked together, these form one or more chain-like strands to construct protein" most directly refers to amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming long chains called polypeptides. These polypeptide chains are the primary components that fold into specific structures to form proteins.
Amino Acids and Polypeptides
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are linked together by peptide bonds, creating a linear chain known as a polypeptide. One or more of these polypeptide chains then fold into complex three-dimensional structures to become functional proteins.
Protein Structure Levels
- The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids linked in a chain.
- This chain (or chains) can form secondary structures such as alpha helices and beta strands, which then fold further into tertiary and quaternary structures to construct functional proteins.
Hence, the words point to amino acids linked to form polypeptide chains that build proteins. This explanation aligns with the biological understanding of protein synthesis and structure formation.
