transpeptidation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “transpeptidation” mean?
A biochemical process where a peptide bond is transferred from one molecule to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biochemical process where a peptide bond is transferred from one molecule to another.
In biochemistry and medicine, specifically referring to the reaction catalyzed by transpeptidase enzymes, crucial for processes like bacterial cell wall synthesis. It describes the transfer of a peptide segment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage; frequency identical in UK and US academic/technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “transpeptidation” in a Sentence
The transpeptidation of [peptide] to [acceptor]Transpeptidation is inhibited by [agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transpeptidation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The enzyme will transpeptidate the peptide chain onto the glycan backbone.
American English
- The enzyme transpeptidates the D-Ala-D-Ala peptide bond.
adjective
British English
- The transpeptidation activity was measured spectrophotometrically.
American English
- Researchers identified a key transpeptidation site in the protein.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively in biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in discussions of bacterial cell wall synthesis, antibiotic mechanisms (e.g., beta-lactams), and enzyme kinetics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transpeptidation”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transpeptidation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transpeptidation”
- Misspelling as 'transpeptidization'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'it transpeptidates'); the verb is 'transpeptidate', which is even rarer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Transpeptidation is the chemical process or reaction. Transpeptidase is the enzyme that catalyzes (carries out) that reaction.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term not encountered in everyday language or even in most general academic writing outside specific life science fields.
It is a critical target for antibiotics. Drugs like penicillins and cephalosporins inhibit bacterial transpeptidases, preventing cell wall synthesis and killing the bacteria.
While humans have enzymes that form peptide bonds (like in protein synthesis), the specific 'transpeptidation' referred to by this term is predominantly discussed in the context of bacterial physiology, making it a key point for selective antibiotic action.
A biochemical process where a peptide bond is transferred from one molecule to another.
Transpeptidation is usually technical/scientific in register.
Transpeptidation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtrænzˌpep.tɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtrænzˌpep.təˈdeɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TRANSfer of a PEPTIDE' + '-ATION' (a process). It's the process of moving a peptide bond.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RELAY RACE where a peptide baton is passed from one runner (molecule) to another.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'transpeptidation' primarily used?