PEPTIDE SYNTHASES Meaning and
Definition
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Peptide synthases, also known as non-ribosomal peptide synthases (NRPSs), are enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of a specific class of secondary metabolites called non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs). NRPs are a diverse group of natural products that include antibiotics, immunosuppressants, antifungals, and anticancer agents, among others.
Peptide synthases are often large multifunctional enzymes that consist of several protein domains or modules catalyzing different steps in the synthesis of NRPs. These modules include adenylation domains (A-domains), thiolation domains (T-domains), condensation domains (C-domains), epimerization domains (E-domains), and thioesterase domains (TE-domains). Each module has a specific function in the synthesis process, such as selecting and activating the building blocks (amino acids) with the A-domain, transferring the activated building block to the T-domain, and elongating the peptide chain with the C-domain.
Peptide synthesis catalyzed by peptide synthases is distinct from protein synthesis occurring on ribosomes. The main difference lies in the absence of a template or mRNA directing the sequence of amino acids in the peptide product. Instead, the selection and order of amino acids are determined by the specific recognition and activation of individual building blocks by the A-domains.
Understanding the structure and function of peptide synthases is crucial for the discovery and manipulation of NRPs in drug development, as these compounds often possess potent biological activities due to their complex structures derived from non-ribosomal biosynthesis.
Common Misspellings for PEPTIDE SYNTHASES
- oeptide synthases
- leptide synthases
- -eptide synthases
- 0eptide synthases
- pwptide synthases
- psptide synthases
- pdptide synthases
- prptide synthases
- p4ptide synthases
- p3ptide synthases
- peotide synthases
- peltide synthases
- pe-tide synthases
- pe0tide synthases
- pepride synthases
- pepfide synthases
- pepgide synthases
- pepyide synthases
- pep6ide synthases
- pep5ide synthases
Etymology of PEPTIDE SYNTHASES
The term "peptide synthases" is a combination of two words: "peptide" and "synthases".
The word "peptide" comes from the Greek word "peptos", which means "digested" or "cooked". It was coined in the 19th century to refer to the products of protein digestion. In modern usage, peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins.
The word "synthases" is derived from the term "synthesize", which comes from the Greek words "syn", meaning "together", and "tithenai", meaning "to place". "Synthesize" means to combine or create something by bringing together different elements.
In the context of "peptide synthases", the term refers to enzymes that catalyze the synthesis of peptides by bringing together individual amino acids in a sequential manner.
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