Understand that proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They are made up of smaller units called amino acids.
Recognize that amino acids are organic compounds composed of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group or side chain, all attached to a central carbon atom.
Recall that there are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form a vast array of proteins, each with unique functions.
Differentiate between amino acids and other biological molecules: fatty acids are building blocks of lipids, monosaccharides are building blocks of carbohydrates, and nucleotides are building blocks of nucleic acids.
Conclude that the building blocks of proteins are amino acids, as they are the fundamental units that link together to form protein structures through peptide bonds.