What is formed when amino acids react via condensation polymerisation?

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Prepare for the AQA GCSE Biology Paper 2. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice sessions, and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam with thorough study materials and expert-crafted quizzes.

During the process of condensation polymerisation, amino acids undergo a chemical reaction where they join together, releasing a molecule of water in the process. This reaction forms a bond known as a peptide bond between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another. As multiple amino acids continue to link together through this series of condensation reactions, they create a chain known as a polypeptide.

Polypeptides can vary in length and structure, ultimately folding into specific three-dimensional shapes that contribute to their function in biological systems. While it is true that polypeptides can be further processed and modified to create functional proteins, the direct outcome of the condensation polymerisation of amino acids specifically results in the formation of polypeptides. This foundational process is essential in the biosynthesis of proteins, which are critical for numerous cellular functions and structures.

In this context, nucleic acids refer to molecules like DNA and RNA, which are formed from nucleotides, not amino acids. Monosaccharides are simple sugars made from carbohydrate molecules, not related to amino acid condensation. Lastly, while proteins are made from polypeptides, the term "polypeptides" specifically describes the chain formed directly through the condensation of amino acids.

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