EDMAN DEGRADATION Meaning and
Definition
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Edman degradation is a laboratory method used for the sequential determination of amino acid residues in a peptide chain or protein. Named after its inventor Pehr Edman, this technique is highly valued in the field of biochemistry for its ability to analyze and determine the primary structure of peptides.
The process of Edman degradation involves several steps. First, the protein or peptide of interest is subjected to chemical treatment with a reagent called phenylisothiocyanate (PITC). This reaction forms a stable phenylthiocarbamoyl (PTC) derivative, which can be selectively cleaved off from the amino-terminal residue by acid hydrolysis. This step results in the isolation of the N-terminal amino acid.
After cleaving the N-terminal amino acid, the PTC derivative is combined with a transferring agent and subjected to a process known as phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) conversion. This chemical transformation creates a phenylthiohydantoin derivative, which can then be specifically identified and quantified using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
By repeating this cyclical process, it becomes feasible to determine the sequence of amino acids present in a peptide or protein. The resulting data offers valuable insights into the structure and function of the biomolecule being analyzed. Although Edman degradation has been largely replaced by modern sequencing methods such as mass spectrometry, it remains a foundational technique and has greatly contributed to the development of protein science and the understanding of peptide structures.
Common Misspellings for EDMAN DEGRADATION
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Etymology of EDMAN DEGRADATION
The term "Edman degradation" is named after the Swedish biochemist Pehr Victor Edman. Born on February 24, 1916, in Stockholm, Sweden, Edman made significant contributions to the field of protein sequencing.
In the 1940s, Edman developed a method for sequencing amino acids in peptides and small proteins. This groundbreaking technique, known as the Edman degradation, allowed scientists to determine the order of amino acids in a protein chain.
The word "degradation" in the term "Edman degradation" refers to the process of breaking down or chemically modifying the peptide or protein to sequentially identify and analyze each amino acid in the chain.
Throughout his career, Edman continued to refine and improve the Edman degradation method. His contributions to the field of protein sequencing were widely recognized, earning him a place in scientific history and the honor of having his name attached to the technique.
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