Dipeptide

Definition

A dipeptide is a molecule consisting of two amino acids linked by a single peptide bond. It is the simplest form of a peptide and plays a crucial role in protein structure and function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dipeptides are formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another.
2. The peptide bond in a dipeptide is an amide bond, which is covalent and relatively stable.
3. Dipeptides can be broken down into individual amino acids through hydrolysis reactions, often catalyzed by enzymes called peptidases.
4. Dipeptides have distinct chemical properties that differ from their constituent amino acids, affecting their solubility and reactivity.
5. They can serve as intermediates in various metabolic pathways, including those involved in microbial metabolism.

Review Questions

• What type of reaction forms a dipeptide from two amino acids?
• Which type of bond links the two amino acids in a dipeptide?
• How can dipeptides be broken down into individual amino acids?

Related terms

Peptide Bond:

A covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acid molecules.

Hydrolysis:

A chemical process that splits molecules by adding water.

Peptidase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of peptides into amino acids.