Peptide bond

Definition

A peptide bond is a covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acid molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of another molecule, releasing a molecule of water (a condensation reaction). This bond is integral in forming the primary structure of peptides and proteins.

Related terms

Amino Acids:

They are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks for proteins, characterized by having both an amino group and a carboxyl group.

Polypeptide:

This is a long, continuous chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds and can function as a protein or part of a protein.

Condensation Reaction:

A chemical reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, along with the loss of a small molecule such as water; this process forms peptide bonds between amino acids.