Proline Molecule-- Space Filled Model

Symbol: Pro P
Molecular Weight: 115.13
Isolectric point (pH) 6.30
Molecular Formula: C ₅H₉NO₂

 

Molecular Structure of Proline

General

Proline is one of the twenty amino acids that are used by living organisms as a building block of proteins (so called proteinogenic amino acids). Proline is one of the cyclic aliphatic amino acids that is a major component of the protein collagen, the connective tissue structure that binds and supports all other tissues. Proline is synthesized from glutamic acid prior to its incorporation into pro-collagen during messenger RNA translation.

In proteins, proline can act as a structural disruptor for (Alpha) helices, and as a turning point in Beta-sheets. Multiple prolines in a row can create a proline helix. Sequences of proline and 1-Aminosiobutyric acid (Aib) form a helical turn structure.

Incorporated into peptides proline forms a tertiary amide. It doesen't have a hydrogen on the amide group and can therefore not act as a hydrogen bond donor.