PEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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A peptide is a type of organic compound consisting of a sequence of amino acids that are linked together through peptide bonds. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in various biological processes. They are formed when the carboxyl group (-COOH) of one amino acid reacts with the amino group (-NH2) of another amino acid, resulting in the formation of a peptide bond.
Typically, a peptide contains between two and fifty amino acids, but longer chains are possible. The specific arrangement and sequence of amino acids in a peptide determine its biological function and activity. Peptides can be found in all living organisms, and they serve as essential signaling molecules, enzymes, hormones, and structural components within cells and tissues.
Peptides are classified based on their size, structure, and function. Some common types include oligopeptides (containing 2-10 amino acids), polypeptides (containing 11-50 amino acids), and proteins (containing more than 50 amino acids). Peptides can also be categorized as nonribosomal peptides, which are synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthesis and often have complex structures and specialized functions, and ribosomal peptides, which are synthesized by ribosomes during protein synthesis.
Due to their crucial roles in various biological processes, peptides have gained significant attention in fields such as medicine and biotechnology. Peptides are being explored for their potential therapeutic applications, drug development, and as research tools for understanding complex biological phenomena.
Common Misspellings for PEPTIDE
Etymology of PEPTIDE
The word "peptide" originates from the Greek word "peptós", which means "digested". The term was first coined by German biochemist and physiologist Emil Fischer in 1902. This name was chosen because peptides are formed by the digestion, or hydrolysis, of proteins. The suffix "-ide" is commonly used in chemistry to denote a compound derived from something else, hence "peptide" refers to a compound derived from proteins.
Similar spelling word for PEPTIDE
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