Chapter 21, Problem 21.77P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The sequence of the original protein from the given partially hydrolyzed peptides parts of an $\text{18-}$ amino acid polypeptides is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Proteins are large molecules that are constructed from the $\text{α-}$ amino acids. The amino acids are joined by group characteristics of amides in a stable protein. Since amides are least reactive acid derivative, it requires relatively extreme conditions to hydrolyze them. Thus to complete the hydrolysis of a protein requires strongly acidic conditions and very high temperatures. The relative amounts of each type of amino acid in a protein can be determined by the complete hydrolysis of the protein. To determine the amino acid sequence of a protein, an Edman degradation method is used.