compare the structures of the peptide neurotransmitters Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
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compare the structures of the peptide neurotransmitters Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin

 

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Step 1

Enkephalins, which play a role in memory, learning, emotional activity, and pain, are compounds found in all vertebrate species, including humans. Enkephalins are usually located in nerves outside the brain, the adrenal glands, small and large intestines, kidneys, testes, pancreas, heart muscle, skin tissue, lungs, joints, and bones, but also in the brain and spinal cord. To maintain normal brain function, balanced enkephalin levels are needed. Throughout the nervous system, these function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and different end-organ targets.

Step 2

Enkephalins are structurally pentapeptides characterized by their carboxy-terminal amino acids, leucine, or methionine, in two subgroups. As a result, enkephalins are known as either met-encephalins or leu-encephalins, respectively:

1. The met-enkephalins present the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met.

2. The leu-enkephalins present the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu.

 

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