Chapter 19, Problem 59SA

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The difference between anhydrideand mixed anhydride bonds.

The reason why the reaction of an amino acid and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which yields aminoacyl-AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and pyrophosphate, is irreversible.

Introduction:

Anhydrides are compounds formed out of any basic or acidic compound. When organic, they are acid anhydrides, formed of carboxylic acid groups. When inorganic, they are basic anhydrides, formed of a basic grou, puch ascalcium hydroxide. Mixed anhydride areasymmetrical compounds in which the alkyl groups are not the same on both sides.