Oligopeptide
Oligopeptide
Oligopeptide (pronounced: oh-lig-oh-pee-tide) is a term used in biochemistry to refer to a peptide that consists of a small number of amino acids.
Etymology
The term "oligopeptide" is derived from the Greek words "oligos" meaning few, and "peptos" meaning digested.
Definition
An oligopeptide is a peptide that contains fewer than 10-20 amino acids. They are formed by the process of protein degradation or protein synthesis. Oligopeptides play a crucial role in the body's biochemical functions, including acting as neurotransmitters and hormones.
Related Terms
- Peptide: A compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked in a chain.
- Polypeptide: A long, continuous, and unbranched peptide chain.
- Protein: A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order.
- Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins.
- Protein Synthesis: The process by which the genetic code puts together proteins in the cell.
- Protein Degradation: The breakdown of proteins into their constituent amino acids.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals from a neuron to a target cell across a synapse.
- Hormone: Chemicals produced by cells in the body that control and regulate the activity of certain cells or organs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oligopeptide
- Wikipedia's article - Oligopeptide
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