What Does Edman Degradation Reveal About Peptide Sequence?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of a pentapeptide, referred to as peptide E, which consists of glycine, tryptophan, proline, valine, and alanine. The treatment with carboxypeptidase releases proline as the first free amino acid, indicating its position at the C-terminus. Edman degradation results in three derivatives: the first containing tryptophan, the second glycine, and the third valine. This information allows for the determination of the peptide's sequence and structure through mechanistic analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of peptide structure and amino acid composition
  • Knowledge of Edman degradation technique
  • Familiarity with carboxypeptidase enzymatic activity
  • Basic principles of peptide sequencing
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mechanisms of Edman degradation in detail
  • Research the different types of carboxypeptidases and their specificities
  • Learn about peptide synthesis and sequencing techniques
  • Explore the structural representation of peptides and amino acid sequences
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for biochemists, molecular biologists, and students studying peptide chemistry and sequencing methodologies.

chem_monkey
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I'm looking at a (uni) past paper and it has one of those typical Qs - a molecular weight determination has shown that an unknown peptide E is a pentapeptide and that it contains the amino acids glycine, tryptophan, proline, valine and alanine. Treatment of pentapeptide E with carboxypeptidase gives proline as the first free amino acid released. Separate Edman degradations provided the following derivatives: and it shows three compounds, with the first containing tryptophan, second just glycine, third valine.
Based upon this analysis, draw the structure of the original pentapeptide and explain how you have arrived at this structure. Show mechanistic detail where appropriate (15 marks).

Anyone know?
 
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Which flavor of Carboxypeptidase are you using? "Separate Edman degradations..." refers to what?
 
chemisttree said:
Which flavor of Carboxypeptidase are you using? "Separate Edman degradations..." refers to what?

what flavor?
 

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