compare the structures of the peptide neurotransmitters Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin

Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
4th Edition
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Chapter9: Cell Communication
Section9.4: Signaling Pathways Triggered By Internal Receptors
Problem 1SB: What distinguishes a steroid receptor from a receptor tyrosine kinase receptor or a...
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compare the structures of the peptide neurotransmitters Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin

 

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Step 1

Enkephalins, which play a role in memory, learning, emotional activity, and pain, are compounds found in all vertebrate species, including humans. Enkephalins are usually located in nerves outside the brain, the adrenal glands, small and large intestines, kidneys, testes, pancreas, heart muscle, skin tissue, lungs, joints, and bones, but also in the brain and spinal cord. To maintain normal brain function, balanced enkephalin levels are needed. Throughout the nervous system, these function as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and different end-organ targets.

Step 2

Enkephalins are structurally pentapeptides characterized by their carboxy-terminal amino acids, leucine, or methionine, in two subgroups. As a result, enkephalins are known as either met-encephalins or leu-encephalins, respectively:

1. The met-enkephalins present the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met.

2. The leu-enkephalins present the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu.

 

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