During translation, which statement correctly describes the bond that links amino acids to form the growing protein?

During translation, which statement correctly describes the bond that links amino acids to form the growing protein?

• A. Peptide bonds form between the amino acids.
• B. Hydrogen bonds.
• C. Disulfide bonds.
• D. Ionic bonds.

Answer: (A)

The bond that links amino acids to form the growing protein is a peptide bond. During translation, the amino group of the incoming amino acid attacks the carbonyl carbon of the growing polypeptide, forming a covalent amide (peptide) bond and releasing water. This reaction is catalyzed by the ribosome's peptidyl transferase activity, creating a continuous chain of amino acids. Peptide bonds are covalent and provide the main linkage in the primary sequence. Hydrogen bonds, on the other hand, help stabilize folded structures like alpha helices and beta sheets but do not join amino acids in the growing chain. Disulfide bonds stabilize final protein structure by linking cysteine residues, and ionic bonds are electrostatic interactions between charged side chains or molecules—not the bonds that polymerize the amino acids together.

The bond that links amino acids to form the growing protein is a peptide bond. During translation, the amino group of the incoming amino acid attacks the carbonyl carbon of the growing polypeptide, forming a covalent amide (peptide) bond and releasing water. This reaction is catalyzed by the ribosome's peptidyl transferase activity, creating a continuous chain of amino acids.

Peptide bonds are covalent and provide the main linkage in the primary sequence. Hydrogen bonds, on the other hand, help stabilize folded structures like alpha helices and beta sheets but do not join amino acids in the growing chain. Disulfide bonds stabilize final protein structure by linking cysteine residues, and ionic bonds are electrostatic interactions between charged side chains or molecules—not the bonds that polymerize the amino acids together.