What type of bond connects amino acids in a protein?

A peptide bond is the specific type of bond that connects amino acids in a protein. This bond forms through a dehydration reaction, where the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, resulting in the release of a water molecule. This covalent bond is essential for linking amino acids together in a chain, ultimately forming the primary structure of proteins.

While hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and other covalent bonds may play important roles in the stability and folding of proteins, they are not responsible for the linear sequence of amino acids. Peptide bonds uniquely form the backbone of protein structure, influencing how proteins fold and function.