If a polypeptide contains 10 peptide bonds, how many amino acids does it contain?
(a) 9
(b) 10
(c) 11
(d) 12

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a peptide bond forms between two amino acids during protein synthesis, linking them together in a chain.
2. Recognize that the number of peptide bonds in a polypeptide is always one less than the number of amino acids because each bond connects two amino acids.
3. Set up the relationship: Number of amino acids = Number of peptide bonds + 1.
4. Substitute the given number of peptide bonds (10) into the equation: Number of amino acids = 10 + 1.
5. Conclude that the polypeptide contains 11 amino acids based on the calculation.

Key Concepts

Peptide Bond Formation

A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another during protein synthesis. Each bond links two amino acids together, creating a chain called a polypeptide.

Relationship Between Peptide Bonds and Amino Acids

In a polypeptide chain, the number of peptide bonds is always one less than the number of amino acids. This is because each bond connects two amino acids, so a chain with n amino acids has n-1 peptide bonds.

Polypeptide Chain Structure

A polypeptide is a linear sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Understanding this linear structure helps in determining the number of amino acids from the number of peptide bonds, which is essential for answering the question.