Functionalized derivatives of the nanometer-scale amino acids aminobiphenylcarboxylic acid (Abc) and aminodiphenylmethanecarboxylic acid (Adc) are ideal building blocks for the chemical synthesis of nanometer-scale structures. The amino acid Abc^2K is 1.0-nm long, rigid, and linear, while the amino acid Adc^K is 1.0-nm long, rigid, and bent. Both amino acids can be readily prepared in protected forms (Fmoc-Abc^2K(Boc)-OH and Fmoc-Adc^K(Boc)-OH) that are fully compatible with standard Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques. Peptides derived from these amino acids are water-soluble, can be purified by RP-HPLC, and are readily characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and ESI-MS techniques. Peptides based on Abc^2K form nanometer-scale rods, while cyclic peptides based on Adc^K form nanometer-scale rings that serve as molecular receptors. This presentation will describe ongoing studies of the synthesis, structure, and function of peptides based on these nanometer-scale amino acids.