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Amino acids are connected end-to-end by peptide bonds, which are a specific type of covalent bond. When two amino acids undergo a condensation reaction, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of the other, resulting in the release of a water molecule and the formation of a peptide bond. This linkage not only connects the amino acids to form a dipeptide but also serves as the foundational building block for proteins, which are essentially long chains of amino acids.

Peptide bonds are characterized by their resilience and stability, which allow the resulting polypeptide chains to maintain their structural integrity through various biological processes. The importance of peptide bonds extends beyond mere connection; they play a crucial role in determining the protein's structure and function as the sequence and arrangement of amino acids dictate the protein's eventual shape and activity. Understanding peptide bonds is fundamental when studying protein chemistry and biology, making them a key focus in any examination regarding amino acids and their role in larger biological systems.