Question

Peptidyl transferase connects the carboxylate group of one amino acid to the amino group of an incoming amino acid. What type of linkage is created in this peptide bond? (A) Ester (B) Amide (C) Anhydride (D) Ether

Short answer

The correct answer is (B) Amide.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Role of Peptidyl Transferase

Peptidyl transferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis. The enzyme connects the carboxylate group (-COOH) of one amino acid to the amino group (-NH2) of another amino acid.

Identify the Functional Groups Involved

In peptide bond formation, the carboxylate group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another amino acid. The functional groups involved are the carboxylate (-COOH) and the amino (-NH2) groups.

Recognize the Type of Bond Formed

The reaction between the carboxylate group and the amino group results in the formation of an amide linkage. This type of bond is specifically known as a peptide bond.

Verify the Correct Option

Out of the given options, (A) Ester, (B) Amide, (C) Anhydride, and (D) Ether, the amide linkage is the one formed during peptide bond creation. Thus, the correct answer is (B) Amide.

Key concepts

peptidyl transferase

Peptidyl transferase is a crucial enzyme in the process of protein synthesis. It plays a vital role in forming peptide bonds between amino acids. This enzyme is found in the ribosome, the protein-making machinery of the cell. Peptidyl transferase catalyzes the reaction that joins the carboxylate group of one amino acid to the amino group of another.

Without peptidyl transferase, proteins could not be built efficiently. The enzyme speeds up the peptide bond formation, ensuring that proteins are synthesized quickly and accurately.

Important points to remember about peptidyl transferase:

• Works within the ribosome.
• Catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds.
• Essential for efficient protein synthesis.

amide linkage

An amide linkage is a type of bond formed during peptide bond creation. When the carboxylate group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another amino acid, an amide bond is produced.

This reaction results in the release of a water molecule, a process known as dehydration synthesis. The bond (known as a peptide bond in this context) connects amino acids together to form a polypeptide chain.

Key features of amide linkage:

• Formed by the reaction between a carboxylate group and an amino group.
• Involves dehydration synthesis, releasing a water molecule.
• Known specifically as a peptide bond in biological contexts.

protein synthesis

Protein synthesis is the process by which cells build proteins. This process is crucial for cell function and involves two main stages: transcription and translation.

During transcription, DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the nucleus. The mRNA then travels to the ribosome, where translation occurs. In translation, the sequence of the mRNA is read in groups of three nucleotides called codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid to be added to the growing protein chain.

The ribosome, with the help of peptidyl transferase, connects amino acids together through peptide bonds, forming a protein.

• Transcription: DNA -> mRNA.
• Translation: mRNA -> Protein.
• Peptidyl transferase aids in forming peptide bonds.

functional groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have their own characteristic properties. They are crucial in determining the reactions and interactions of molecules.

In the context of peptide bond formation, the two main functional groups involved are the carboxylate group (-COOH) and the amino group (-NH2).

The carboxylate group gives the amino acid its acidic property, while the amino group provides basic properties. When they react to form a peptide bond, they lose these properties temporarily to facilitate the creation of a stable amide linkage.

Key points about functional groups in peptide bond formation:

• Carboxylate group (-COOH): acidic properties.
• Amino group (-NH2): basic properties.
• React to form stable amide linkages.