Peptide bond

A peptide bond is formed between two molecules via a dehydration synthesis reaction, usually between amino acids. The carboxy group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of the other molecule, releasing a molecule of water (H₂O).

                    H      
                    |
- C - O - H  +  H - N -
  ||                
  O                  

         reacts to 

      H
      |
- C - N -    +    H - O - H
  ||  
  O   

The resulting C-N bond is called a peptide bond, and the resulting molecule is called an amide. Polypeptides and proteins are chains of amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

See also: PNA