Peptide glossary · Basics
Protein
A long amino acid chain, usually more than 50 residues, that folds into a defined three-dimensional structure. Many peptides are fragments or analogues of proteins or peptide hormones.
In the lab
Proteins are usually made by biotechnology, because chemical synthesis gets laborious beyond about 50 amino acids. One example in the range is hCG, a glycoprotein hormone.
More terms: Basics
- Amino acidThe building block of peptides and proteins.
- 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.
- 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.