Describe the role of functional groups in the condensation polymerisation of amino acids to form polypeptides.

Functional groups, specifically the amine (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups in amino acids, are essential for condensation polymerisation. They allow amino acids to react with each other, forming peptide bonds and releasing water, thus creating polypeptides.

This question assesses the student's ability to connect the structure of amino acids with the process of polymerisation. It emphasizes the importance of functional groups in chemical reactions, which is a key concept in organic chemistry. This response is aligned to Polymerisation and naturally occurring polymers because it explains amino acids react by condensation polymerisation to produce polypeptides. (HT only) using the correct AQA GCSE Chemistry organic context. Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.