Question

A by-product of forming a peptide bond from two amino acids is water. True/False

Short answer

True, a water molecule is formed as a by-product.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks whether forming a peptide bond between two amino acids produces water as a by-product. This question belongs to the topic of protein synthesis and involves understanding peptide bond formation.

Concept of Peptide Bond Formation

A peptide bond is formed in a dehydration synthesis reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. During this process, molecules of H2O are eliminated.

Identifying the By-product

Continue to follow the chemical process in peptide formation: the -OH from the carboxyl group and an -H from the amino group form water (H2O) as a by-product.

Connect the Conclusion

From the chemical process in peptide bond formation, the by-product observed is indeed water. Therefore, the statement that forming a peptide bond produces water is true.

Key concepts

Dehydration Synthesis

Dehydration synthesis is a fundamental biochemical reaction used to connect molecules. In the context of forming peptide bonds, dehydration synthesis describes how individual amino acids come together to form proteins. The process involves removing a molecule of water. When two amino acids are joined, the carboxyl group from one amino acid ( COOH) reacts with the amino group of another ( NH₂). A molecule of water ( H₂O) is released, facilitating the connection between the remaining structures, known as a peptide bond. This process is crucial in the assembly of complex proteins from simpler amino acid building blocks.

• Dehydration synthesis is essential in forming various macromolecules aside from proteins, such as carbohydrates and nucleic acids.
• This reaction is "anabolic," meaning it builds complex molecules from simpler ones, helping store energy.

The process emphasizes the importance of water in biochemical reactions, as removing or adding it can significantly influence molecular formation.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid comprises a central carbon atom, known as the alpha carbon, linked to four different groups: a hydrogen atom, an amino group ( NH₂), a carboxyl group ( COOH), and a variable side chain (denoted as R). This side chain, or "R group," defines the specific properties and functions of each amino acid.
Amino acids are classified into essential and non-essential groups.

• Essential amino acids must be obtained through diet as the body cannot synthesize them.
• Non-essential amino acids are produced naturally by the body and do not need to be consumed in food.

These small molecular units are versatile, binding through peptide bonds to form proteins, which perform an array of critical biological functions.

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process through which cells manufacture proteins, essential macromolecules for cellular function and structure. It begins with transcription, where the DNA sequence of a gene is transcribed to produce messenger RNA (mRNA). This mRNA then travels from the nucleus to the ribosome, the site of translation.
Translation is the second key phase of protein synthesis. At the ribosome, transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules transport specific amino acids, corresponding to the mRNA's codons, to extend the growing polypeptide chain. It is here that peptide bonds form between amino acids, driven by dehydration synthesis.
Protein synthesis is crucial for:

• The replacement of damaged proteins, which maintains cellular health.
• The growth of organisms by supporting new tissue development.
• The production of enzymes and hormones, which regulate various physiological processes.

Thus, understanding protein synthesis is vital for grasping how life maintains its intricate biological systems.