Proteins are organic compounds made up of what?

Proteins are organic compounds that consist primarily of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for numerous biological functions in the body. There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins, which are crucial for creating and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall bodily functions.

While nitrogen is a component of amino acids, and thus proteins, the term "nitrogen-based compounds" does not accurately capture the structural and functional essence of what proteins are. Fatty acids relate to fats and lipids, while simple sugars refer to carbohydrates, neither of which is directly associated with the structure of proteins. Therefore, focusing on amino acids captures the most important aspect and reflects the correct understanding of the composition of proteins.