Amino acids are linked together through condensation reactions to form polypeptides. There are 20 different amino acids that make up most proteins, which are coded for by genes and linked in varying sequences. The amino acid sequence determines a protein's three-dimensional structure and function. Proteins perform a wide variety of roles in cells and organisms, such as catalyzing reactions, providing structure, transporting molecules, and more. Environmental factors like heat and changes in pH can cause proteins to denature and lose their structure.