Peptide glossary · Basics
Amino acid
The building block of peptides and proteins. Each amino acid has an amino group, a carboxyl group and a side chain that sets its properties. Proteins use 20 proteinogenic amino acids, and synthetic peptides often add non-natural ones such as Aib or D-amino acids.
In the lab
For lab work the side chain matters most: it decides whether a residue is charged, hydrophobic or prone to oxidation. From that you can estimate a peptide's solubility and storage needs.
Read moreWhat Are Peptides? Peptide Chemistry Basics ExplainedMore terms: Basics
- Oligopeptide and polypeptideOligopeptides consist of a few amino acids, usually up to about ten.
- PeptideA chain of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.
- Peptide bondThe amide bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next.
- Peptide hormoneA hormone made of an amino acid chain, such as GLP-1, GHRH or oxytocin.
- ProteinA long amino acid chain, usually more than 50 residues, that folds into a defined three-dimensional structure.
- Research peptideA peptide made and sold for laboratory research, for example in vitro experiments.
For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.