What type of bonds primarily holds amino acids together?

The primary bonds that hold amino acids together in a protein are covalent bonds, specifically peptide bonds. Peptide bonds are formed through a reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, resulting in the release of a molecule of water (a dehydration synthesis reaction). This strong covalent bond is crucial for creating the backbone structure of proteins, linking amino acids in a specific sequence that ultimately dictates the protein's structure and function.

While other types of bonds, such as hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds, play significant roles in stabilizing the three-dimensional structure of proteins after they are formed, they do not hold the individual amino acids together in the primary sequence. Instead, these bonds contribute to secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures by promoting interactions between different parts of the protein or with surrounding molecules.