Peptide

Definition

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They serve as the building blocks for proteins and play crucial roles in biological processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Peptides are formed through dehydration synthesis between amino acids.
2. They can act as signaling molecules in various cellular processes.
3. Enzymes called proteases break down peptides into individual amino acids.
4. Peptides can be categorized based on the number of amino acids they contain (dipeptides, tripeptides, etc.).
5. In microbiology, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are studied for their role in innate immunity.

Review Questions

• What type of bond links amino acids in a peptide?
• How do proteases interact with peptides?
• What is the significance of antimicrobial peptides in microbiology?

Related terms

amino acid:

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins and peptides.

protein: Large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and perform a variety of functions in living organisms.

protease:

An enzyme that breaks down proteins and peptides by hydrolyzing peptide bonds.