Page 3: Synthesis and Reactions of Amino Acids

This page covers the methods of obtaining aminokwasy (amino acids) and their key reactions, particularly the formation of peptide bonds.

Amino acids can be obtained through two main methods:

1. Hydroliza białek (Protein hydrolysis): Breaking down proteins into their constituent amino acids using water and enzymes or chemical treatments.
2. Ammonolysis: Reaction of α-halogenated carboxylic acids with ammonia.

Example: The hydrolysis of a peptide bond: R₁-CH(NH₂)-CO-NH-CH(R₂)-COOH + H₂O → R₁-CH(NH₂)-COOH + H₂N-CH(R₂)-COOH

A key reaction of amino acids is the formation of peptide bonds, which occurs through a condensation reaction between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Definition: A peptide bond is a covalent chemical bond formed between two amino acids when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a water molecule.

Example: The formation of a tripeptide Gly-Val-Ala (glycylvalinylalanine) through the condensation of glycine, valine, and alanine.

This process of joining amino acids is fundamental to the synthesis of proteins and peptides in biological systems. The resulting peptide chain has directionality, with an N-terminus (amino end) and a C-terminus (carboxyl end).

Page 1: Introduction to Amino Acids

This page introduces the general structure and nomenclature of aminokwasy (amino acids). Amino acids are organic compounds containing both amino (-NH₂) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups.

Definition: Amino acids are derivatives of hydrocarbons containing both carboxyl and amino groups.

The general formula for an amino acid is R-CH(NH₂)-COOH, where R represents the side chain specific to each amino acid.

Nomenclature of amino acids follows systematic rules:

1. The prefix "amino-" is added to the name of the corresponding carboxylic acid.
2. The position and number of amino groups are indicated as with other carboxylic acid derivatives.

Example: Glycine (GLY) has the structure H₂N-CH₂-COOH and is systematically named as 2-aminoethanoic acid.

Physical properties of amino acids include:

• Solid crystalline state at room temperature
• Generally colorless
• Most are soluble in water
• They are electrolytes, capable of conducting electricity in solution

Highlight: The amphoteric nature of amino acids allows them to react with both acids and bases, a crucial property for their biological functions.