What are the building block monomers of proteins?

The building block monomers of proteins are called amino acids. Amino acids are organic molecules that combine to form proteins, which are vital for various biological functions in living organisms. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group (–NH₂), a carboxyl group (–COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain or R group that determines the specific properties and identity of the amino acid.

There are 20 standard amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to produce a wide variety of proteins. The unique sequence of amino acids in a protein defines its specific structure and function. These sequences are determined by the genetic code in an organism's DNA, which plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins during the process of translation.

In summary, amino acids are the essential monomers that link together through peptide bonds to form proteins, allowing for the incredible diversity of proteins needed for life.