Synthesis of peptides from amino acids and ATP with lysine-rich proteinoid.

Lysine-rich proteinoids in aqueous solution catalyze the formation of peptides from free amino acids and ATP. This catalytic activity is not found in acidic proteinoids, even though the latter contain some basic amino acid. The pH optimum for the synthesis is about 11, but is appreciable below 8 and above 13. Temperature data indicate an optimum at 20 degrees C or above, with little increase in rate to 60 degrees C. Pyrophosphate can be used instead of ATP, with lesser yields resulting. The ATP-aided syntheses of peptides in aqueous solution occur with several types of proteinous amino acid.