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Explain why synthesis of a dipeptide from two individual amino acids is energetically unfavorable. Explain how...

Explain why synthesis of a dipeptide from two individual amino acids is energetically unfavorable. Explain how this unfavorable synthesis may occur in biological systems.

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Answer #1

Di-peptide formation is an energetically unfavorable. Di-peptide formation involves joining of two amino acids via amide linkage.

Formation of amide linkage is an example of condensation reaction which involves the removal of water molecules from alpha carboxyl group of one amino acid and alpha carboxyl group of another amino acid. Mechanistically, alpha amino group acts as a nucleophile and displaces the hydroxyl group of alpha carboxyl group.

Amino group is a good nucleophile. Nonetheless, hydroxyl group is a poor leaving group and hence difficult to remove. Therefore, synthesis of peptide bond formation is not a favorable reaction.

Thus, cell overcomes this problem by chemical modification of carboxyl group. Chemical modification of carboxyl group leads to its activation and ease the removal of hydroxyl group in an energetically favorable manner.

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