Sequential polypeptides containing L-valyl and γ-methyl-L-glutamyl residues

Beta structures of alternating polypeptides and their possible prebiotic significance

A survey of the commonest amino acids formed in prebiotic conditions suggests that the earliest form of genetic coding may have specified polypeptides with a strong tendency to form stable Beta-sheet structure. Poly(Val-Lys), like other polypeptides in which hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues alternate, tends to form Beta structures. We show that bilayers with a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior may be present in aqueous solution.

Conformation of high-molecular-weight poly(L-valine) in solid state

Poly(L-valine) in various degrees of polymerization was prepared from the N-carboxyanhydride of L-valine. The high-molecular-weight polymer was fibrous and capable of forming an oriented film when cast from trifluoroacetic acid solution. The comformations were examined by Raman spectroscopy. The Raman and infrared spectra of high-molecular-weight polymer were quite different from those of low-molecular-weight and tri-fluoroacetic-acid-treated high-molecular-weight polymers. The spectral data in the amide A, I, II, III, and V regions indicated that high-molecular-weight poly(L-valine) is possibly in the alpha-helical conformation, while low-molecular-weight poly(L-valine) and high--molecular-weight poly(L-valine) treated with trifluoroacetic acid are in the beta-conformation.