Taubman MA, Atassi MZ. Reaction of beta-propiolactone with amino acids and its specificity for methionine.
Biochem J 1968;
106:829-34. [PMID:
5637366 PMCID:
PMC1198586 DOI:
10.1042/bj1060829]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
1. The reactions of beta-propiolactone with amino acids were investigated under various conditions of pH and temperature to find those under which the reagent acted with specificity. 2. At pH9.0 and 22 degrees , after 15min. of reaction, at least 85% of each amino acid had reacted, methionine and cystine being the most reactive. 3. At pH7.0 and 22 degrees most amino acids reacted; methionine, cystine and histidine reacted almost entirely, and proline and lysine to a significantly smaller extent. 4. At pH3.0 and 22 degrees further specificity was obtained; methionine and cystine were the only reactive amino acids. 5. Reaction at pH3.0 and 0 degrees was specific for methionine; it was the only amino acid modified even after 145hr. of reaction.
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