Glycylglycine


English Name: Glycylglycine

CAS Number: 556-50-3

Molecular Formula: C4H8N2O3

Molecular Weight: 132.12 g/mol

Uses of Glycylglycine

Pharmaceutical Field:
Glycylglycine is used as an intermediate and reagent in drug research and development, especially in the study of amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis. It is commonly used in in vitro experiments to evaluate the impact of drugs on protein synthesis.

Biochemical Research:

In biochemical research, glycylglycine serves as a buffer and reagent for studying enzyme reactions and protein synthesis. It is frequently used in various biochemical analyses and experiments in laboratories.

Glycylglycine, also known as diglycine, is the simplest peptide, composed of two glycine amino acid molecules linked together by a peptide bond. As a dipeptide, it serves as a model compound for studying peptide properties and is commonly used in biochemical research.

Chemical Structure and Properties
Glycylglycine has the chemical formula C₄H₈N₂O₃, with a molecular weight of approximately 132.12 g/mol. It is composed of two glycine residues, with one amino group (NH₂) at one end and a carboxyl group (COOH) at the other. The peptide bond (-CO-NH-) linking the two glycine molecules is a defining characteristic of peptides and proteins, providing insights into protein structure and function.

Glycylglycine is a white, crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a slightly sweet taste. It is stable under normal conditions and does not undergo significant chemical changes in aqueous solutions. Its buffering capacity makes it valuable in biochemical assays, especially in pH ranges around 2-3 and 7-8.

Applications in Biochemistry
Glycylglycine is widely used in various biochemical applications:

Buffering Agent: Glycylglycine acts as an effective buffer in biochemical experiments. Its ability to maintain a stable pH environment is crucial for enzymatic reactions and protein stability, especially in assays where pH changes can affect the outcome.

Protein and Peptide Research: As a simple dipeptide, glycylglycine is often used as a model compound in studies related to peptide synthesis, structure, and function. Researchers use it to understand the properties of peptide bonds and the behavior of amino acids in peptides.

Enzyme Studies: Glycylglycine is utilized in studies of enzyme activity, particularly in the investigation of proteases and peptidases. These enzymes specifically act on peptide bonds, making glycylglycine a valuable substrate for understanding enzyme specificity and kinetics.

Pharmaceutical Research: In pharmaceutical research, glycylglycine serves as a precursor or reference compound in the development of peptide-based drugs. Its simple structure allows for easy modification, enabling the study of peptide drug properties and interactions.