Peptide bonds
Peptide Bonds
Peptide bonds (pronunciation: /ˈpepˌtīd bänd/) are the chemical bonds that link amino acids together in a polypeptide chain. They are a fundamental component of proteins, which are essential to all life forms.
Etymology
The term "peptide" is derived from the Greek word "πεπτός" (peptos), meaning "digested". This refers to the fact that peptides are formed through the digestion of proteins in the body. The term "bond" comes from the Old English "bendan", meaning "to bind or fasten together".
Formation
Peptide bonds are formed through a process known as dehydration synthesis, in which a molecule of water is removed from the reactants. This process involves the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. The result is a covalent bond known as a peptide bond, and the resulting molecule is a dipeptide.
Structure
The structure of a peptide bond is a result of the sharing of electrons between the nitrogen atom and the carbon atom. This sharing of electrons creates a double bond character, making the peptide bond planar. The peptide bond is also quite rigid and does not rotate, which contributes to the specific three-dimensional structures of proteins.
Related Terms
- Amino Acids: The building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.
- Polypeptide: A chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
- Proteins: Large molecules composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order; the order is determined by the base sequence of nucleotides in the gene coding for the protein.
- Dehydration Synthesis: The process by which a peptide bond is formed, involving the removal of a water molecule.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peptide bonds
- Wikipedia's article - Peptide bonds
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