When the Ribosome Forms a Peptide Bond, Which Two Atoms

Question

When the ribosome forms a peptide bond, which two atoms form a covalent bond?
A) the $\alpha$ carbon and the amino nitrogen
B) the amino nitrogen and carboxylic acid carbon
C) the$\alpha$ carbon and the carboxylic acid carbon
D) the amino nitrogen and the $\beta$carbon
E) It depends on the amino acids being joined.

Accepted Answer

During peptide bond formation, the amino nitrogen of the incoming amino acid reacts with the carboxylic acid carbon of the growing peptide chain to form a covalent bond, releasing a molecule of water. This process is known as a condensation reaction. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer as it mentions the correct two atoms involved in the formation of a peptide bond.