Glossary

Sequence

Glossary / Sequence
Biochemistry

Sequence — The ordered arrangement of amino acid residues in a peptide chain, written from N-terminus to C-terminus using single-letter or three-letter codes.

Category
Biochemistry
Glossary Section
S

What Is a Peptide Sequence?

A peptide sequence is the ordered list of amino acid residues from N-terminus to C-terminus, written in one-letter (ACDEFG) or three-letter (Ala-Cys-Asp-Glu-Phe-Gly) code. The sequence is the primary structure and determines all higher-order conformation and biological activity.

Notation Conventions

  • Direction: Always written N → C (left to right). H-YGGFL-OH = Leu-enkephalin
  • Modifications: Ac- (N-terminal acetyl), -NH2 (C-terminal amide), pGlu (pyroglutamate)
  • Sequencing: MS/MS fragmentation (b/y ions) and Edman degradation determine sequence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sequence?

The ordered arrangement of amino acid residues in a peptide chain, written from N-terminus to C-terminus using single-letter or three-letter codes.

Why is Sequence important in peptide research?

Sequence is a fundamental concept in biochemistry as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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