Polüpeptiidkettis

Polüpeptiidkettis refers to a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. This fundamental structure is the building block of proteins. Each amino acid in the chain has a unique side chain, which determines its chemical properties and ultimately influences the protein's overall function. The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain is determined by the genetic code, specifically the DNA sequence of a gene. This sequence dictates how the chain will fold into a specific three-dimensional structure, which is crucial for its biological activity.

The formation of a polypeptide chain occurs during the process of translation, where ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) and assemble the amino acids in the prescribed order. The polypeptide chain is often referred to as the primary structure of a protein. Once synthesized, the polypeptide chain undergoes folding to form secondary structures like alpha-helices and beta-sheets, and further folding leads to tertiary and sometimes quaternary structures, which are the functional forms of proteins. The length of a polypeptide chain can vary significantly, from a few amino acids to thousands. The specific arrangement and type of amino acids within a polypeptide chain are what give rise to the vast diversity of protein functions in biological systems.