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What is a Dipeptide? | Formation, Structure & Examples

Nicole Teeter, Jennifer Gilley
  • Author
    Nicole Teeter

    Nicole is a dedicated high school teacher with 16 years of experience in the classroom teaching AP Biology, biology, and integrated middle school science. She has an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction and a B.S in Biology from Penn State University. She holds teaching certifications in mathematics, biology and general science.

  • Instructor
    Jennifer Gilley
Understand what a dipeptide is by learning the definition of dipeptide. Know what holds the amino acids together and discover some examples of dipeptides. Updated: 01/04/2022

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Dipeptide

A dipeptide is formed when two amino acids are joined together. A peptide bond links these amino acids together. A peptide bond is a covalent bond, formed as 2 amino acids are joined together through dehydration synthesis, a process in which a water molecule is removed as a byproduct to link monomers together. Dipeptides are organic compounds that help to maintain the pH of cells or act as antioxidants.

What Type of Bond Holds Amino Acids Together?

A peptide bond is a covalent bond that links amino acids together to form a polypeptide. A peptide bond is formed through a process called dehydration synthesis. Dehydration synthesis, also referred to as polymerization, is an anabolic process in which a water molecule is removed to link monomers together to form a polymer. Amino acids consist of the amino (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) functional groups. Peptide bonds form between the carboxyl group of amino acid 1 and amino group of amino acid 2. Water is removed as a byproduct. The resulting peptide bond is a C-N covalent bond that now links the two amino acids together to form a dipeptide.

What is Released During the Formation of a Peptide Bond?

Peptide bonds are formed as two amino acids are joined together to form a protein. Peptide bonds form through a process called dehydration synthesis (polymerization). Polymerization is a process in which monomers are joined together to form polymers. A water molecule is formed as a byproduct. Amino acids, the monomers of proteins, consist of the amino and carboxyl functional groups. An amino group consists of one nitrogen and two hydrogens, bonded together through single covalent bonds. A carboxyl group consists of a carbon, double bonded to an oxygen, as well as a hydroxyl group (OH). A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed between the carboxyl group of amino acid 1, and the amino group of amino acid 2. An OH (hydroxyl group) is removed from amino acid 1. A hydrogen (H) is removed from amino acid 2 to form water. The result is a C-N bond to link the two amino acids together. to form a dipeptide. A water molecule is removed as a byproduct.

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Dipeptide Structure

A dipeptide is formed when two amino acids are joined together by a peptide bond. Amino acids consist of an amino and carboxyl functional groups. An amino group consists of one nitrogen and two hydrogens, bonded together through single covalent bonds. A carboxyl group consists of a carbon, double bonded to an oxygen, as well as a hydroxyl group (OH). A peptide bond is formed between the carboxyl group of amino acid 1, and the amino group of amino acid 2. An OH (hydroxyl group) is removed from amino acid 1. A hydrogen (H) is removed from amino acid 2, to form water. The result is a C-N bond to link the two amino acids together, to form a dipeptide. A water molecule is removed as a byproduct.


A dipeptide is formed when two amino acids are joined together by a peptide bond. The peptide bond is formed via dehydration synthesis when a hydroxyl is removed from amino acid 1 and a hydrogen is removed from amino acid 2 to form water as a byproduct. The resulting C-N bond is a peptide bond.

Dipeptide


Production of Dipeptides

Dipeptides are produced through two methods: synthetic polypeptides and biosynthesis.

Synthetic Polypeptides

Peptide synthesis occurs when two amino acids are coupled together by a peptide bond. Peptide bond formation occurs by a process called dehydration synthesis. A peptide bond is a covalent bond that links amino acids together to form a polypeptide. A peptide bond is formed through a process called dehydration synthesis. Dehydration synthesis, also referred to as polymerization, is an anabolic process in which a water molecule is removed to link monomers together to form a polymer. Amino acids consist of the amino (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) functional groups. Peptide bonds form between the carboxyl group of amino acid 1, and amino group of amino acid 2. Water is removed as a byproduct. The resulting peptide bond is a C-N covalent bond that now links the two amino acids together, to form a dipeptide. In order for this reaction to take place, ATP is necessary as an energy molecule. Anabolic reactions, such as dehydration synthesis, require energy to take place.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of a dipeptide?

A dipeptide is formed when two amino acids are joined together. A peptide bond links these amino acids together. A peptide bond is a covalent bond formed as 2 amino acids are joined together through dehydration synthesis, a process in which a water molecule is removed as a byproduct to link monomers together.

What is an example of a dipeptide?

Anserine is a dipeptide composed of a beta-alanine and a methylhistidine. Carnosine is commonly found in red meat and is an antioxidant. It comes from duck, turkey, chicken, salmon and tuna. It is a dietary dipeptide and is not found in human organs.

What is the function of a dipeptide?

Dipeptides are organic compounds that consist of two amino acids joined together through a peptide bond. Dipeptides help to maintain the pH of cells or act as antioxidants.

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