What are organic compounds held together by peptide bonds commonly known as?

Organic compounds that are held together by peptide bonds are primarily known as proteins. Peptide bonds are formed through a process called dehydration synthesis, which occurs when the amino group of one amino acid reacts with the carboxyl group of another amino acid, releasing water and creating a bond between the two. This bond is essential in linking amino acids to form polypeptide chains, which ultimately fold into functional proteins.

Proteins play a vital role in biological systems, serving as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, among other functions. They are composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, each with a specific sequence that determines the protein’s structure and function.

The other options provided relate to different classes of organic compounds. Carbohydrates consist of sugar molecules and are primarily involved in energy storage and providing structural support in cells. Lipids include fats and oils, which are important in energy storage and cellular membrane structure. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are responsible for the storage and transmission of genetic information. Each of these classes serves distinct roles in biological systems, but only proteins are formed specifically through the linkage of amino acids via peptide bonds.