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Chapter 4: Q1MTE (page 96)

Presumably, the mix of prebiotic compounds on early

earth included both D- and L-amino acids. What are some hypotheses that

attempt to explain why cells build proteins only from the L forms?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Cells build proteins, preferably L form isomers of amino acids. Because the enzyme's active centers are chiral or asymmetric, enzymes will recognize L-amino acids only.

Step by step solution

01

D-and L-amino acids

These are pairs of enantiomers in which the orientation of the amino group on the left side refers to L-amino acid. In contrast, the amino group on the right side refers to D-amino acid.

02

L form over D-amino acid

In our nature, L-conformers are present abundantly compared to D-isomers.The enzymes that help in metabolic activities and other functions also recognize L-isomers only because most of the active sites have chiral centers.

Most biological molecules are chiral, and they react with another L-enantiomer only.

Hence, cells build proteins only from L forms.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Estimate the isoelectric point of a Ser鈥揌is dipeptide. Explain why this value is only an estimate.

Classify the 20 standard amino acids by polarity, structure, type of functional group, and acid-base properties.

Identify the amino acid residue from which the following groups are synthesized:

Indicate whether the following familiar objects are chiral or nonchiral: (a) a glove; (b) a tennis ball; (c) a screw; (d) this page; (e) a snowflake; (f) a spiral staircase; and (g) a shoe.

Identify all the chiral carbons in the amino acids shown in Table 4-1.

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