About Peptides

Disclaimer: Our peptides are intended for laboratory research purposes only. They are not for human or veterinary use. By purchasing, you confirm that you are a qualified researcher or institution and will use these products strictly for scientific study.

How Are Peptides Formed?

Peptides are formed through a process called peptide bond formation or amide bond formation. Let’s break it down simply:

1. Amino acids join together:
   Each amino acid has two important groups:

   • An amino group (-NH₂)

   • A carboxyl group (-COOH)

2. Peptide bond formation:
   When two amino acids come together, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another. This reaction releases a molecule of water (H₂O) — a process called condensation or dehydration synthesis.

   The bond that forms between the two amino acids is called a peptide bond (-CONH-).

3. Creating chains:

   • Two amino acids linked by a peptide bond form a dipeptide.

   • Three form a tripeptide.

   • Chains of up to about 50 amino acids are peptides.

   • Longer chains become proteins.

4. Synthetic peptide formation:
   In research labs, peptides are often made using a method called solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). This allows scientists to build peptides step by step, adding one amino acid at a time to control their sequence and structure.

Important Peptide Terms

🔬 Structural Terms:

• Amino acids: The building blocks of peptides and proteins, linked by peptide bonds.

• Peptide bond: A covalent bond between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

• Oligopeptide: A short peptide chain containing 2–20 amino acids.

• Polypeptide: A longer peptide chain containing 20–50 amino acids.

• Protein: A molecule consisting of one or more polypeptides folded into a functional structure (usually over 50 amino acids).

🌿 Synthesis and Research Terms:

• Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS): A lab technique used to build peptides step-by-step by attaching amino acids to a solid resin support.

• Linear Peptide: A peptide with a straight amino acid sequence (no branching or cross-linking).

• Cyclic Peptide: A peptide where the ends are linked, forming a ring structure — often more stable and bioactive.

• Peptide Sequence: The specific order of amino acids in a peptide, written from the N-terminus (start) to the C-terminus (end).

🧬 Functional and Biological Terms:

• Bioactive Peptides: Peptides that have an effect on biological processes, like antimicrobial or hormone-regulating activities.

• Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHS): Peptides that stimulate the secretion of growth hormone, e.g., CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin.

• Neuropeptides: Peptides in the nervous system involved in signaling, e.g., Semax and Substance P.

• Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Peptides that help the immune system fight off pathogens.

• Hormonal Peptides: Peptides that act like hormones, regulating processes like metabolism and reproduction, e.g., Insulin and Oxytocin.

⚡ Laboratory and Quality Terms:

• Peptide Purity: Refers to how free a peptide sample is from impurities — crucial for research accuracy.

• HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): A technique used to measure peptide purity and confirm molecular composition.

• Mass Spectrometry (MS): Used to identify a peptide’s exact mass and confirm its structure.

• Lyophilization (Freeze-drying): A process used to preserve peptides by removing water, ensuring long-term stability.

• Peptide Stability: Refers to how well a peptide maintains its structure and activity under certain conditions — essential for research reproducibility.

What is a peptide?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and when they form smaller chains (usually containing 2 to 50 amino acids), they’re called peptides.

Peptides can be naturally occurring in the body or synthetically made in laboratories. They play vital roles in various biological processes, including:

• Hormone signaling (like insulin for blood sugar regulation)

• Immune responses (certain peptides act as antimicrobial agents)

• Cell communication (regulating functions like growth, healing, and metabolism)

The main difference between peptides and proteins is size — proteins are larger, more complex molecules made up of one or more long peptide chains.

In research settings, peptides are used to:

• Study cellular processes and disease mechanisms

• Investigate drug development and targeted therapies

• Explore areas like anti-aging, muscle growth, and neuroprotection