Problem 14 Draw the structure of a polypept... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 17: Problem 14

Draw the structure of a polypeptide containing only glycine

Short Answer

Expert verified

A polypeptide of glycine will have a chain of glycine molecules linked together via peptide bonds. Each glycine molecule is made up of an amino group, carboxyl group, and two hydrogen atoms. These connect with the next glycine atom by losing a water molecule and forming a peptide bond.

Step by step solution

Understand the structure of Glycine

Glycine, being an amino acid, has a general structure, which includes an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom (-H), and a unique side chain. For glycine, the side chain is just another hydrogen atom, making glycine the simplest of all amino acids.

Visualization of the polypeptide

A polypeptide of glycine would include repeats of this amino acid. Each amino acid would connect to the other through a peptide bond, which is formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next. The hydrogen of -NH2 of the second amino acid, and the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the -COOH of the first one combine to form a water molecule, which is eliminated to make a peptide bond between them.

Drawing the structure

Begin by drawing a single molecule of glycine, then add another molecule by linking it through a peptide bond. Do the same process as many times as you want, but you need at least two glycine molecules to make a polypeptide.

The final structure

A chain of multiple glycine molecules will be created, linked together by peptide bonds. This will formulate the final structure of the polypeptide, demonstrating how simple amino acids can combine to form more complex structures like polypeptides.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Glycine

Glycine is the simplest of all amino acids, and it stands out because its side chain is unique. Unlike other amino acids that have complex structures and diverse side chains, glycine's side chain is just a single hydrogen atom. This makes glycine incredibly versatile and a perfect example for learning about amino acids. You can think of glycine as a building block that, due to its simplicity, makes it less restrictive in various biochemical reactions and formations.

Simplest amino acid structure.
Consists of an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a hydrogen atom.
Side chain is another hydrogen atom.

This simplicity plays a critical role in proteins, where flexibility is needed, like in collagen, which provides structural support in connective tissues.

The Role of Amino Acids

Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. They are organic compounds that play a key role in biological processes and have a basic structure composed of an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain specific to each amino acid. This side chain determines the unique characteristics and function of each amino acid.

Amino acids form proteins by linking in specific sequences.
Play roles in muscle building, enzyme formation, and neurotransmitter transport.

When amino acids join together, they form polypeptide chains, which fold into specific shapes to form proteins. These proteins are crucial for various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and cell structure.

Understanding Peptide Bonds

Peptide bonds are the chemical links that connect individual amino acids together to form polypeptides. This bond is a covalent bond formed through a dehydration reaction. In this reaction, the carboxyl group of one amino acid bonds with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water.

Forms between the -COOH of one amino acid and the -NH2 of another.
Releases water, hence also known as a dehydration synthesis reaction.

Peptide bonds provide the polypeptide chain with stability and the ability to fold into complex structures, enabling proteins to perform diverse functions in living organisms.

The Polypeptide Chain

A polypeptide chain is a long, continuous, and unbranched series of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. These chains are fundamental components of proteins and dictate their structure and function. The specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide determines its unique characteristics and role in the organism.

Composed of amino acids linked linearly.
Protein function relies heavily on the sequence.
Can fold into three-dimensional structures to form functional proteins.

The formation of polypeptide chains is crucial in living cells as they form proteins, which execute a majority of cellular functions and maintain cellular structure.

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Draw the structure of a polypeptide containing only glycine

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the structure of Glycine

Visualization of the polypeptide

Drawing the structure

The final structure

Key Concepts

Understanding Glycine

The Role of Amino Acids

Understanding Peptide Bonds

The Polypeptide Chain

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