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Multiple Choice
What is a long chain of amino acids called?
A
Nucleic acid
B
Triglyceride
C
Polypeptide
D
Polysaccharide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure and function of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and consist of an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a unique side chain (R group).
Step 2: Learn how amino acids link together. Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds, which are formed through a dehydration reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.
Step 3: Recognize the term for a chain of amino acids. When multiple amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds, the resulting structure is called a polypeptide. Polypeptides can fold into functional proteins.
Step 4: Differentiate between the given options. Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides, triglycerides are composed of glycerol and fatty acids, and polysaccharides are chains of sugar molecules. None of these are related to amino acid chains.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct term for a long chain of amino acids is 'polypeptide,' as it specifically refers to the polymer formed by amino acids linked via peptide bonds.