10.1007/BF00650418
The research investigates the thermodynamic properties of certain tripeptides in aqueous solution. The study aims to understand the effects of side chain position on solute-solvent interactions in peptides, which can provide insights into the conformational stability and unfolding behavior of proteins. The key chemicals used in the research are four tripeptides: glycylglycylglycine (GGG), glycylglycylalanine (GGA), glycylalanylglycine (GAG), and alanylglycylglycine (AGG). The researchers measured the partial molar volumes and partial molar heat capacities of these tripeptides at 25°C. The results showed that the tripeptide-water interaction is influenced by the side chain position within the molecule. For instance, the partial molar volume and heat capacity varied depending on whether the methyl side chain was adjacent to the -NH2 or -COO- end group. The study concluded that a tripeptide with a side chain in the central position is a reasonable model for investigating side chain effects in polypeptides, and the data obtained can help in understanding the contribution of various non-covalent interactions in protein folding and stability.