Table of contents | |
Peptides | |
Types & Classes of Peptides | |
Molecular Biology | |
Applications of Peptides |
Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and when two or more amino acids are joined together, they form a peptide. Peptides can range in length from just a few amino acids to several dozen.
Peptides are distinguished from proteins based on their size, as they typically consist of shorter chains of amino acids. In contrast, proteins are composed of multiple polypeptides arranged in a biologically functional manner.
Peptides encompass a wide variety of types, including di-peptides, which are the shortest peptides comprising only two amino acids linked by a single peptide bond. On the other hand, a polypeptide represents a longer, uninterrupted chain of amino acids. Hence, it can be affirmed that peptides are part of a broad classification of biological polymers and oligomers.
Peptides are classified into various categories based on their origins and production methods.
Peptides hold a significant position in molecular biology for several compelling reasons. One primary purpose is their role in the generation of peptide antibodies in animals. These antibodies are produced in mice or rabbits to target specific proteins. Peptides are also employed in the exploration of protein function and structure, as well as in mass spectrometry techniques. Additionally, there exist peptide hormones, which consist of hormone molecules with peptide structures. These peptide hormones play crucial roles in various physiological processes.
110 videos|124 docs|114 tests
|
|
Explore Courses for ACT exam
|