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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the functional groups involved and the bond formed during the dehydration reaction that creates a peptide bond between two amino acids?
A
The R group of one amino acid reacts with the R group of another, releasing H$_2$O and forming a peptide bond (–R–R–) between them.
B
The carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the carboxyl group of another, releasing H$_2$O and forming a peptide bond (–CO–CO–) between them.
C
The carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing H$_2$O and forming a peptide bond (–CO–NH–) between them.
D
The amino group of one amino acid reacts with the R group of another, releasing H$_2$O and forming a peptide bond (–NH–R–) between them.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a peptide bond. A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed between two amino acids during a dehydration reaction, where a molecule of water (H$_2$O) is released.
Step 2: Identify the functional groups involved in the reaction. Amino acids have two key functional groups: a carboxyl group (-COOH) and an amino group (-NH$_2$). These groups are responsible for forming the peptide bond.
Step 3: Describe the dehydration reaction. During the reaction, the carboxyl group (-COOH) of one amino acid reacts with the amino group (-NH$_2$) of another amino acid. The hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxyl group and a hydrogen atom (H) from the amino group combine to form water (H$_2$O), which is released.
Step 4: Explain the bond formation. After the release of water, a covalent bond is formed between the carbon atom of the carboxyl group and the nitrogen atom of the amino group. This bond is called a peptide bond and has the structure –CO–NH–.
Step 5: Clarify why other options are incorrect. The R groups of amino acids do not participate in forming peptide bonds, and the carboxyl group cannot react with another carboxyl group to form a peptide bond. The correct functional groups involved are the carboxyl group and the amino group.