Peptide bond facts for kids
A peptide bond is a special chemical bond that connects two amino acids. Amino acids are like tiny building blocks that our bodies use to make bigger molecules called proteins. When two amino acids join together, they form a new molecule called a dipeptide, and the link between them is the peptide bond. This joining process is a chemical reaction.
How Peptide Bonds Form
Peptide bonds are created through a special chemical reaction called a condensation reaction. This means that when two amino acids come together to form a peptide bond, a small molecule of water is removed.
Here's how it works:
- One amino acid has a part called a carboxyl group.
- The other amino acid has a part called an amino group.
- When these two groups meet, they react. The carboxyl group loses an oxygen and a hydrogen atom (OH), and the amino group loses a hydrogen atom (H).
- These lost atoms combine to form a molecule of water (H₂O).
- The remaining parts of the two amino acids then link up, forming the strong peptide bond.
This process allows amino acids to connect one after another, like beads on a string.
Why Peptide Bonds are Important
Peptide bonds are super important because they are the glue that holds proteins together. Proteins are essential for almost every job in your body, from building muscles and bones to fighting off sickness and carrying oxygen.
- When two amino acids join, they form a dipeptide.
- When many amino acids join together in a long chain using peptide bonds, they form a polypeptide.
- A polypeptide chain then folds into a specific 3D shape to become a working protein.
Without peptide bonds, amino acids couldn't link up, and your body wouldn't be able to make the proteins it needs to function!
Images for kids
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Peptide bond
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Isomerization of an X-Pro peptide bond. Cis and trans isomers are at far left and far right, respectively, separated by the transition states.
See also
In Spanish: Enlace peptídico para niños
