amino-terminal

Diaminopimelic acid or DAPA is a lysine-like amino acid derivative that is a key component of the bacterial cell wall. DAPA is incorporated or integrated into peptidoglycan of gram negative bacteria and is the attachment point for Braun's lipoprotein (BLP or Murein Lipoprotein). BLP is found in gram-negative cell walls and is one of the most abundant membrane proteins. BLP is bound at its C-terminal end (a lysine) by a covalent bond to the peptidoglycan layer (specifically to diaminopimelic acid molecules) and is embedded in the outer membrane by its hydrophobic head (a cysteine with lipids attached). BLP tightly links the two layers and provides structural integrity to the bacterial outer membrane. Diaminopimelic acid can be found in human urine or feces due to the lysis or enzymatic breakdown of gram negative gut microbes.

L-Homoserine ((S)-(-)-2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYBUTYRIC ACID) is a more reactive variant of the amino acid serine. In this variant, the hydroxyl side chain contains an additional CH2 group which brings the hydroxyl group closer to its own carboxyl group, allowing it to chemically react to form a five-membered ring. This occurs at the point that amino acids normally join to their neighbours in a peptide bond. L-Homoserine is therefore unsuitable for forming proteins and has been eliminated from the repertoire of amino acids used by living things. L-Homoserine is the final product on the C-terminal end of the N-terminal fragment following a cyanogen bromide cleavage.