Aminkjeder
Aminkjeder are polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds that constitute the primary structure of proteins. Each amino acid contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain (R-group). In a chain, amino acids are joined by condensation reactions forming peptide bonds, releasing a molecule of water. The sequence of amino acids—the primary structure—determines protein properties and function.
Polypeptide chains fold into higher-order structures: secondary structure (alpha helices and beta sheets) stabilized by hydrogen
Genetic information encoded in DNA is transcribed to mRNA and translated at ribosomes to produce polypeptides;
Applications and examples: structural proteins such as collagen, keratin; enzymes like amylase; transport proteins such as
Terminology: aminkjeder is synonymous with polypeptide chains or proteins in context; however, proteins typically refer to
Mutations in amino acid sequence can change structure and function, affecting phenotype.
Overall, aminkjeder are fundamental to biology, forming the backbone of nearly all cellular processes through proteins.