Question

Draw the structure of leu-enkephalin, a pentapeptide that acts as an analgesic and opiate, and has the following sequence: Tyr–Gly–Gly–Phe–Leu. (The structure of a related peptide, met-enkephalin,

appeared in Section 22.6B.)

Short answer

Leu-enkephalin is a neurotransmitter that bears a sequence of amino acids namely Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phy-Leu. This peptide exists in animal brains specifically in vertebrates, rodents, and human beings. It is a natural peptide and is one of the forms of enkephalin.

Step-by-step solution

Leu-enkephalin

Leu-enkephalin is a neurotransmitter that bears a sequence of amino acids namely Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phy-Leu. This peptide exists in animal brains specifically in vertebrates, rodents, and human beings. It is a natural peptide and is one of the forms of enkephalin.

About the structure

The given molecule consists of some functional groups. They are alcohol (OH), carboxylic acid (COOH), and amines $\left({\mathrm{NH}}_2\right)$.There are a total of two benzene rings in leu-enkephalin. The molecular formula for leu-enkephalinis ${\mathrm{C}}_{28}{\mathrm{H}}_{37}{\mathrm{N}}_5{\mathrm{O}}_7$.

Structure of leu-enkephalin

The residues present in the structure of leu-enkephalin are L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, and glycine. This peptide is an endangered opioid.