In alanylglycylleucylalanylvaline, the number of peptide linkages is ____ — Biomolecules Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

**Step 1: Identify the number of amino acids in the peptide.** The peptide name lists: alanyl-glycyl-leucyl-alanyl-valine Count the amino acids: 5 amino acids total **Step 2: Recall the relationship between amino acids and peptide bonds.** Key concept: A peptide bond forms between the carboxyl group (-COOH) of one amino acid and the amino group (-NH₂) of the next amino acid. **Step 3: Apply the formula.** For a polypeptide with n amino acids: **Number of peptide bonds = n - 1** **Step 4: Calculate.** Number of peptide bonds = 5 - 1 = 4 **Step 5: Visualize to verify.** Ala-Gly-Leu-Ala-Val - Bond 1: between Ala and Gly - Bond 2: between Gly and Leu - Bond 3: between Leu and Ala - Bond 4: between Ala and Val Therefore, the answer is 4.