What is a Dipeptide? | Formation, Structure & Examples
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.
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.
![]() |
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.
Biosynthesis
Biosynthesis occurs when a polypeptide is cleaved to produce a dipeptide through hydrolysis, with the help of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase. When proteins are digested to dipeptides and amino acids, the dipeptides are absorbed more rapidly than the amino acids. This is because their absorption involves a different mechanism. When the dipeptides are digested, they activate G-cells found in the stomach to secrete gastrin.
Dipeptide Example
A dipeptide is a molecule that consists of two amino acids joined together by a peptide bond. Some examples of dipeptides include carnosine, anserine, and homoanserine.
Carnosine
Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of a beta-alanine and a 3-methyl-L-histidine. Carnosine is commonly found in red meat. Additionally, it is a protein building block for our bodies. It is found in our muscles when they are at work, as well as, the heart and brain. There is some research on carnosine as a means to prevent aging because it interferes with chemicals that cause the aging process. Carnosine can also act as an antioxidant because it protects cells against oxidative damage.
![]() |
Anserine
Anserine is a dipeptide composed of a beta-alanine and a methylhistidine. Anserine 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.
![]() |
Homoanserine
Homoanserine is a dipeptide composed of N-(4-aminobutyryl)-L-histidine. Homoanserine is found in the brain and muscles of mammals. It is a neuroactive dipeptide, which means it plays an important role in the regulation of pain by the brain.
Lesson Summary
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. 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.
Dipeptides are produced through two methods: synthetic polypeptides and biosynthesis. Peptide synthesis occurs when two amino acids are coupled together by a peptide bond. Peptide bond formation occurs by a process called dehydration synthesis. Biosynthesis occurs when a polypeptide is cleaved to produce a dipeptide through hydrolysis, with the help of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase. Some examples of dipeptides include carnosine, anserine, and homoanserine. Dipeptides are organic compounds that help to maintain the pH of cells or act as antioxidants.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
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.
Register to view this lesson
Unlock Your Education
See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.