| Popis: |
Publisher Summary This chapter discusses naturally occurring peptides. One of the compounds discussed in this chapter contains 2–20amino acid residues and thus has considerably lower molecular weights than even the smaller proteins. The exception is poly-γ -glutamic acid that must be distinguished from proteins on the basis of its composition rather than its size. This chapter discusses peptides from animal cells. Particular peptides are those whose structures are nearly or completely known. Therefore, biosynthesis and function in terms of structure can be considered. On the other hand, general peptides are less well-defined members of the groups of peptides found in, example pituitaries, or insects, or yeast. This chapter also investigates, whether cells contain a peptide pool, and, if so, what its metabolic status is. This chapter illustrates that, apart from the folic acids, glutathione is the only particular peptide that occurs widely. Its “protective” and “regulatory” functions and its role as a coenzyme have been addressed in the chapter. |
