10.1 Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins

LEARNING GOALS

After   Chapter 10.1,   you will    be  able    to:

Identify    the functional  groups  that    make    amino   acids   amphoteric

Recall  the mechanisms  for forming and cleaving    peptide bonds

Explain why the C–N bond    of  an  amide   is  planar

Recall  the unique  properties  of  glycine:

Amino acids are dipolar molecules that come together through a condensation reaction, forming
peptides. Larger, folded peptide chains are considered proteins.

DESCRIPTION

Amino acids contain an amino group and a carboxyl group attached to a single carbon atom (the α-
carbon). The other two substituents of the α-carbon are a hydrogen atom and a side chain referred
to as the R group. This structure is shown in Figure 10.1.

Figure 10.1. Amino  Acid    Structure