"The basic structure of proteins is quite simple: they are formed by hooking together in a chain discrete subunits called amino acids"

In this quote, Michael Behe describes the essential structure and structure of proteins, which are important macromolecules in biological organisms. According to Behe, proteins include an uncomplicated yet detailed formation: a direct chain of amino acids. This description highlights both the simplicity and intricacy intrinsic in protein structures.

At their core, proteins are polymers formed by connecting numerous amino acids through peptide bonds. Amino acids, the "discrete subunits" mentioned by Behe, are natural substances comprising a fundamental amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and an unique side chain (R group) all linked to a main carbon atom. It is the variability in these side chains among the 20 basic amino acids that results in the large diversity of protein structures and functions.

The expression "hooking together in a chain" emphasizes the linear, consecutive nature of protein structure, where amino acids are connected end-to-end to form a polypeptide chain. This chain folds into specific three-dimensional shapes determined by the chemical properties and series of the amino acids involved. The folding is essential as it identifies the protein's functional capability, permitting it to perform a myriad of roles, such as catalysis, signaling, structural assistance, and transport.

Behe's description likewise implicitly acknowledges the beauty of biological systems: a relatively simple and repeated process of connecting amino acids can produce a tremendous range of structures and functionalities. This simpleness is misleading, as small changes in the amino acid sequence can result in significant differences in protein behavior and function, highlighting the accuracy needed in protein biosynthesis.

In essence, Behe shows that while the building blocks of proteins are simple, the outcomes of their assembly are extremely intricate and crucial to life. This duality of simplicity and intricacy is central to the study of molecular biology and the understanding of living organisms.