OLIGOPEPTIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Oligopeptides are a type of organic compound that belongs to the broader category of peptides. Peptides are formed by the union of two or more amino acids through peptide bonds, resulting in a chain-like structure. However, unlike polypeptides, which consist of many amino acids, oligopeptides are shorter in length, typically containing between 2 to 20 amino acids.
These short peptide chains play crucial roles in various biological processes and functions within living organisms. Oligopeptides serve as signaling molecules, facilitating communication between cells and tissues. They can also act as neurotransmitters, hormones, or growth factors, among other functions. Due to their relatively small size, oligopeptides can rapidly traverse biological membranes and interact with specific receptors to induce various biochemical responses.
Oligopeptides can be derived from both animal and plant sources. They are commonly found in dietary proteins and can be broken down during digestion into their constituent amino acids for absorption and utilization by the body. Certain oligopeptides, such as oligopeptide-1, are widely used in cosmetics and skincare products due to their potential benefits for skin health and rejuvenation.
Overall, oligopeptides are short chains of amino acids that play essential roles in various biological processes. They have diverse functions and can be found in both natural substances and artificially synthesized compounds, contributing to numerous physiological and biochemical functions within organisms.
Common Misspellings for OLIGOPEPTIDES
- iligopeptides
- kligopeptides
- lligopeptides
- pligopeptides
- 0ligopeptides
- 9ligopeptides
- okigopeptides
- opigopeptides
- ooigopeptides
- olugopeptides
- oljgopeptides
- olkgopeptides
- ologopeptides
- ol9gopeptides
- ol8gopeptides
- olifopeptides
- olivopeptides
- olibopeptides
- olihopeptides
- oliyopeptides
Etymology of OLIGOPEPTIDES
The word "oligopeptides" is derived from two main components: "oligo" and "peptides".
1. "Oligo-" comes from the Greek word "oligos", meaning "few" or "small". In scientific terminology, "oligo-" refers to a small or limited number.
2. "Peptides" originated from the Greek word "peptos", meaning "digested" or "broken down". Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are formed via the bonding of amino acids together.
Combining these two components, "oligopeptides" refers to a class of compounds that consist of a small or limited number of bonded amino acids.
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