[Christie]

by chemical equation how can serine and asparagine be combined to give two different di-peptides? (and name them?)

[AWK]

Ser-Asn or Asn-Ser

[fledarmus]

Look at what a peptide bond is, and what the chemical structures of serine and asparagine are. Now how could you put these together to form two different molecules? Hint: Building molecular models may help convince you that the structures are actually identical

[canada88]

Of course. I was mostly just curious because mass spectrometers have identified various mistranslations in serine to asparagine in antibodies. I have always been curious about what effects that would cause in the body on a larger scale. I think we are still just scratching the surface in this kind of science.

Although, I am not familiar with the specific chemical formulas of either, I just figured they were pretty standard long hydrocarbon chains as most proteins are so it didn't make sense unless there was the possible for the carbon to make double and triple bonds as they do in other hydrocarbons... although obviously a lot less common in proteins. Obviously, I didn't think of the obvious peptide bond. You learn something new (or remember something) every day.

Thanks fledarmus.

[Dan]

I just figured they were pretty standard long hydrocarbon chains as most proteins

No protein is a "long hydrocarbon chain". I would suggest looking into some basic protein structure, either on the web or in any basic general science textbook.