What are the building blocks of proteins called?

The building blocks of proteins are known as amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to form proteins, which play a crucial role in various functions within living organisms, including structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Each amino acid consists of a basic structure that includes a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group that distinguishes one amino acid from another. There are 20 different amino acids that organisms use to create proteins, and the sequence of these amino acids determines the structure and function of the protein.

In contrast, nucleotides are the basic units of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, sugars are the building blocks of carbohydrates, and fatty acids are components of lipids. These other biomolecules serve different roles in biological systems and do not contribute to protein structure. Understanding the distinction between these compounds is essential in biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in recognizing how proteins are synthesized from amino acids through processes like translation.