POLYPEPTIDE Meaning and
Definition
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A polypeptide is a linear chain of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It is a term used to describe a short or small peptide chain, typically consisting of 10 to 100 amino acids. Polypeptides are essential in biological processes as they play crucial roles in the structure, function, and regulation of proteins.
Polypeptides are formed through a process known as protein synthesis, where specific amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds. These peptide bonds result from a dehydration reaction, in which the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another amino acid, releasing a molecule of water.
Polypeptides possess a unique sequence of amino acids, which determines their specific properties and functions. The sequence affects factors such as the overall three-dimensional structure, stability, enzymatic activity, and interactions with other molecules. By folding into specific shapes, polypeptides govern protein activities, such as enzymatic catalysis, receptor binding, or structural support within cells.
The length and composition of polypeptides can vary greatly among different organisms and even within different tissues of the same organism. Some polypeptides, known as peptide hormones, are secreted by cells into the bloodstream to carry out specific signaling functions.
Overall, polypeptides serve as the fundamental components of proteins, participating in numerous biochemical processes necessary for the proper functioning of living organisms.
Common Misspellings for POLYPEPTIDE
- oolypeptide
- lolypeptide
- -olypeptide
- 0olypeptide
- pilypeptide
- pklypeptide
- pllypeptide
- pplypeptide
- p0lypeptide
- p9lypeptide
- pokypeptide
- popypeptide
- pooypeptide
- poltpeptide
- polgpeptide
- polhpeptide
- polupeptide
- pol7peptide
- pol6peptide
- polypeoptide
- Polycratizem
- Polipetide
- Polipepetide
Etymology of POLYPEPTIDE
The word "polypeptide" originates from two separate components: "poly" and "peptide".
- "Poly" comes from the Greek word "polys", meaning "many" or "much". It is used as a prefix in English to denote something that is composed of many parts, elements, or units.
- "Peptide" is derived from the Greek word "peptos", which means "digested" or "broken down". Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are formed through a process of digestion or hydrolysis of proteins.
When combined, "poly" and "peptide" form the term "polypeptide", which refers to a chain of many amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Polypeptides are a fundamental component of proteins, which are essential for numerous biological functions in living organisms.
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