PHOTOLYSIS AND RADIOLYSIS OF PHENYL-ALANYLGLYCINE

T he P hotolysis of glycine and alanine containing peptides in oxygenated solution has been shown to result in the formation of glyoxylic and pyruvic acids, through oxidative cleavage of the peptide bond[1]. The same products were formed in the radiolysis of such peptides in the presence of oxygen[2]. In a peptide containing aromatic amino-acids the absorption of light results in the excitation of the aromatic ring and it has been postulated[3] that energy is transferred to the peptide bond, resulting in the formation of a radical on the carbon atom adjacent to the peptide bond. Radiolysis, however, involves the attack of hydroxyl radicals and other reactive species formed in the absorption of radiation by water[2]. This study compares the behavior of phenylalanylglycine to photolysis and radiolysis in aerated aqueous solution in relation to a possible energy transfer in photolysis.