Which of the following polyamides is a polypeptide ?a)Nylon-6 b) Nylon...
Protein is a polypeptide containing -NH2 (Amide linkages between the atoms) .
Which of the following polyamides is a polypeptide ?a)Nylon-6 b) Nylon...
Polypeptides as Polyamides:
Polypeptides are a type of polyamide, which is a macromolecule composed of repeating units linked by amide bonds. These amide bonds are formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another amino acid in a linear sequence. Polypeptides are essential components of proteins, which are crucial for various biological functions in living organisms.
Identification of Polypeptides:
- Among the given options, only 'Protein' is a polypeptide.
- Nylon-6 and Nylon-66 are synthetic polymers known as polyamides, but they do not have the same chemical structure as polypeptides. Nylon-6 is produced from caprolactam, while Nylon-66 is produced from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
- Proteins, on the other hand, are natural polymers made up of polypeptide chains folded into specific three-dimensional structures to carry out specific functions in cells.
Importance of Polypeptides:
- Polypeptides play a crucial role in biological processes such as enzyme catalysis, cell signaling, and structural support.
- The sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain determines the structure and function of the resulting protein.
- Proteins are indispensable for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in organisms, making polypeptides essential for life.
In conclusion, while Nylon-6 and Nylon-66 are synthetic polyamides, proteins are natural polypeptides that serve vital functions in living organisms. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'C' - Protein.
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