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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the primary building block of proteins?
A
Fatty acids
B
Amino acids
C
Monosaccharides
D
Nucleotides
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure and function of proteins. Proteins are macromolecules that play critical roles in biological systems, including enzymatic activity, structural support, and signaling. Their structure is composed of chains of smaller units called amino acids.
Step 2: Review the definition of amino acids. Amino acids are organic molecules that contain both an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). They are the monomers (building blocks) that link together via peptide bonds to form proteins.
Step 3: Compare the other options provided in the question. Fatty acids are components of lipids, which are involved in energy storage and membrane structure. Monosaccharides are simple sugars that serve as building blocks for carbohydrates. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
Step 4: Recognize that none of the other options (fatty acids, monosaccharides, nucleotides) are directly involved in forming proteins. Proteins are exclusively made from amino acids.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is amino acids, as they are the primary building blocks of proteins, forming polypeptide chains through peptide bonds.