Question

how do the components of sugar molecules combine to form proteins and other larger carbon-based molecules

Answer 1

Well I want to first point out sugars molecules DO NOT form amino acids. In addition, a sugar by definition is a 6 carbon ring. All molecules form bonds primarily based the valance electrons of each atom or molecule, and to a lesser degree electronegativity. Valance electrons refer to the number of electrons in the outer shell of a neutral atom. All atoms want to have 8 electrons around them, this is referred to as the octet rule. Therefore the total number of bonds an atom can for is 8-the # valance electrons. For example Oxygen has 6 valance electrons and can form 2bonds. This is the basics. Atoms are able to move and share electrons to form more bonds, or double and triple bonds.