NMR studies of prebiotic polypertides.
Several polypeptides prepared by means of pyrocondensation have been the subject of structural investigations. Attention has been focused on the constitutional characterization of homo-and co-polymers containing Asp and Glu residues, whose role is essential for the formation of the so-called proteinoids. Contrary to the literature data based on chemical degradation, nmr studies show conclusively that in thermal poly-aspartic acid only beta-peptide linkages are present. This result casts serious doubt on the role thermal condensation might have played in prebiotic polypeptide syntheses.
D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis*; D005971:Glutamates / Q000032:analysis; D005998:Glycine / Q000032:analysis; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
D005971:Glutamates; D010455:Peptides; D001224:Aspartic Acid; D005998:Glycine