Conformational study of small peptides using spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations

Abstract

Structure-function relationship found in protein helps us to understand the function that a protein is capable of by knowing its structure. Following the secondary structure of a small peptide will give more information on the structure of the protein, which can be used to understand the functions of the protein in detail. Apart from covalent bonds, these secondary structures are shaped by non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and n→π* interactions. Though these non-covalent interactions are individually weak, many such interactions cumulatively contribute to stabilising the conformation of a peptide. Gas-phase studies on small peptides are carried out to study such non-covalent interactions that are supporting the peptides when there is no effect from the solvent medium or any other nearby molecules.