In a linear tetrapeptide (Constituted with different amino acids), (number of amino acids) - (number — Biomolecules Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

**Step 1: Define the structure of a linear tetrapeptide** A linear tetrapeptide contains 4 amino acids linked in a chain. **Step 2: Determine the number of peptide bonds** Peptide bonds form between consecutive amino acids. For n amino acids in a linear chain, the number of peptide bonds = n - 1. For a tetrapeptide: Number of peptide bonds = 4 - 1 = 3 **Step 3: Apply the key formula** (Number of amino acids) - (Number of peptide bonds) = 4 - 3 = 1 **Step 4: Verify with the general principle** This relationship holds for any linear polypeptide: - n amino acids → (n - 1) peptide bonds - Therefore: n - (n - 1) = 1 (always) This can also be understood as: each peptide bond connects two amino acids, but the total number of amino acids always exceeds the number of bonds by exactly one unit. Therefore, the answer is **1**.