Here's how it works:

* Dehydration Synthesis: When two amino acids join, a molecule of water is removed.

* Formation of the Peptide Bond: The carbon atom of the carboxyl group (COOH) of one amino acid bonds with the nitrogen atom of the amino group (NH2) of the next amino acid.

* Result: This forms a peptide bond (C-N) and creates a dipeptide.

This process can continue, adding more amino acids to form polypeptide chains which eventually fold into proteins.