dipeptidi

Dipeptides are organic compounds formed by the chemical bonding of two amino acids. This bond is known as a peptide bond, and it is formed through a dehydration reaction where a molecule of water is released. The sequence of the two amino acids can vary, leading to a large number of possible dipeptides. For example, the dipeptide formed from glycine and alanine can be glycylalanine or alanylglycine, depending on which amino acid is at the N-terminus.

Dipeptides play various roles in biological systems. They can be intermediates in protein synthesis and degradation. Some dipeptides have specific physiological functions, acting as hormones, neurotransmitters, or signaling molecules. For instance, carnosine, a dipeptide composed of beta-alanine and histidine, is found in muscle and brain tissues and is known for its antioxidant and buffering properties. Another example is anserine, which also has antioxidant functions.

In the field of nutrition and food science, dipeptides are of interest because they can be more easily absorbed by the body than their constituent amino acids. This property makes them useful in certain dietary supplements and infant formulas. The study of dipeptides is part of the broader field of peptide chemistry, which explores the structure, function, and synthesis of peptides of all sizes.