OLIGOPEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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An oligopeptide is a relatively short chain of amino acids consisting of fewer than 20 amino acid residues. A peptide, in general, is a compound made up of a series of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Oligopeptides are a specific type of peptides that possess a smaller number of amino acids compared to longer ones like polypeptides or proteins.
Oligopeptides play a crucial role in various biological processes. They can serve as signaling molecules, controlling and regulating essential functions within the body. Some oligopeptides act as neurotransmitters, transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain. Others function as hormones, influencing physiological processes such as metabolism, growth, or reproductive functions.
In addition to their vital roles within the human body, oligopeptides have a wide range of applications in various scientific and industrial fields. For instance, they are extensively used in pharmaceutical research and drug development due to their potential therapeutic properties. Oligopeptides can be modified or synthesized to create medications for treating specific diseases or conditions.
Furthermore, oligopeptides have gained attention in the food industry. They are utilized in the production of functional foods and dietary supplements, as they can enhance nutritional values, improve digestion, or provide specific health benefits.
Overall, oligopeptides represent a class of peptides with a relatively small number of amino acids, playing significant roles in biological processes, and possessing various applications in areas such as medicine and food science.
Common Misspellings for OLIGOPEPTIDE
- iligopeptide
- kligopeptide
- lligopeptide
- pligopeptide
- 0ligopeptide
- 9ligopeptide
- okigopeptide
- opigopeptide
- ooigopeptide
- olugopeptide
- oljgopeptide
- olkgopeptide
- ologopeptide
- ol9gopeptide
- ol8gopeptide
- olifopeptide
- olivopeptide
- olibopeptide
- olihopeptide
- oliyopeptide
Etymology of OLIGOPEPTIDE
The word "oligopeptide" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two components: "oligo-" and "peptide".
1. "Oligo-" is derived from the Greek word "oligos", meaning "few" or "scanty".
2. "Peptide" originates from the Greek word "peptos", which signifies "digested" or "to be cooked".
The combination of these two elements forms "oligopeptide", which refers to a short chain or sequence of amino acids.
