What type of bond is primarily involved in the formation of the protein's primary structure?

The primary structure of a protein refers to its unique sequence of amino acids, which is determined by the specific order of the nucleotide bases in the corresponding gene. The bonds that primarily dictate this sequence are covalent bonds, specifically peptide bonds.

Peptide bonds form when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another amino acid, releasing a molecule of water in a dehydration synthesis reaction. This covalent linkage is strong and establishes the backbone of the protein, allowing for a stable sequence of amino acids.

In contrast, ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, and Van der Waals forces play significant roles in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of proteins, where they contribute to the overall shape and stability of the protein but do not dictate the sequence itself. Therefore, covalent bonds are essential for creating the primary structure of proteins.