What two functional groups are bound to the central carbon of every free amino acid monomer? a. an R-group and a hydroxyl group b. an N—H group and a ═(C═O) group c. an amino group and a hydroxyl group d. an amino group and a carboxyl group

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid contains a central carbon atom, an amino group (—NH2), a carboxyl group (—COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable R-group or side chain that determines the specific properties of the amino acid.

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In amino acids, the amino group and carboxyl group are essential functional groups that define their structure and reactivity, influencing how they interact in biological systems.

Peptide bonds are covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form proteins. This bond forms between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water in a condensation reaction. Understanding this process is crucial for grasping how amino acids combine to create complex proteins.