If three amino acids are bonded together linearly, how many molecules of water are produced?

To determine the number of water molecules produced when three amino acids are bonded together linearly, we need to understand the process of peptide bond formation.

When two amino acids are joined together through a peptide bond, a molecule of water is released as a byproduct. This process is known as a dehydration synthesis or condensation reaction. The amino group (-NH2) of one amino acid combines with the carboxyl group (-COOH) of another amino acid, resulting in the formation of an amide bond (-CONH-). During this condensation reaction, one molecule of water is released.

Now, if we have three amino acids joining together, we can consider the bonds formed in the sequence:

- The first two amino acids will form a peptide bond, resulting in the release of one molecule of water.
- The third amino acid will then form a peptide bond with the end of the dipeptide (the product of the first two amino acids bonding), releasing another molecule of water.

Therefore, when three amino acids are bonded together linearly, two molecules of water are produced.