Amino Acid Types and Peptide Bond Formation
Amino acids are classified based on their R groups, which can be simple, hydroxyl, sulphur-containing, cyclic, basic, acidic, or ringed. This diversity allows for the creation of proteins with a wide range of properties and functions.
Vocabulary: Peptide bond - A covalent bond formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another, resulting in the release of a water molecule.
The formation of polypeptides occurs through condensation reactions, where amino acids join together, releasing water molecules in the process. This reaction can continue, forming longer chains that eventually become proteins.
Example: Lysine, an amino acid with a basic R group, has a side chain ending in an NH3+ group, which contributes to its ability to form ionic bonds within proteins.
Highlight: The sequence and types of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determine the protein's primary structure, which is crucial for its final three-dimensional shape and function.