Which atoms and groups are lost when a peptide bond forms?

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When a peptide bond forms between two amino acids, it occurs through a condensation reaction. During this process, the following components are lost:1

  • An hydroxyl group (—OH) is lost from the carboxyl group of one amino acid.1
  • A hydrogen atom (H) is lost from the amino group of the second amino acid.1

Together, these atoms form a molecule of water (H2O) as a byproduct of the reaction. The remaining parts of the two amino acids are then linked by an amide bond, which is referred to as a peptide bond.12