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Polypeptide: meaning, definitions and examples

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polypeptide

 

[ ˌpɒl.iˈpaɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biochemistry

A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Polypeptides are shorter than proteins, typically consisting of 10 to 100 amino acids. They play crucial roles in biological processes such as enzyme catalysis, cell signaling, and structure formation.

Synonyms

oligopeptide, peptide chain, protein fragment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polypeptide

Used in scientific and biochemical contexts to refer to a long chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Typically, these chains are too small to be considered full proteins but are longer than oligopeptides.

  • Polypeptides are crucial in the formation of proteins.
  • The scientist examined the structure of the polypeptide.
protein fragment

Used when referring to a piece or segment of a protein, often resulting from the breakdown or partial digestion of a larger protein.

  • Protein fragments were analyzed to understand the protein's structure.
  • During the experiment, several protein fragments were isolated.
peptide chain

A general term used to describe a sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, regardless of length. It can refer to both short (oligopeptides) and long chains (polypeptides).

  • The peptide chain is essential for protein synthesis.
  • During digestion, enzymes break down peptide chains into individual amino acids.
oligopeptide

Commonly used in biochemical contexts to refer to a short chain of amino acids, typically less than 20 residues.

  • Oligopeptides play a vital role in cellular communication.
  • The study focused on the properties of various oligopeptides.

Examples of usage

  • Insulin is a polypeptide hormone produced by the pancreas.
  • The polypeptide chain folds into a specific 3D structure to perform its function.

Translations

Translations of the word "polypeptide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polipeptídeo

🇮🇳 पॉलीपेप्टाइड

🇩🇪 Polypeptid

🇮🇩 polipeptida

🇺🇦 поліпептид

🇵🇱 polipeptyd

🇯🇵 ポリペプチド

🇫🇷 polypeptide

🇪🇸 polipéptido

🇹🇷 polipeptit

🇰🇷 폴리펩타이드

🇸🇦 عديد الببتيد

🇨🇿 polypeptid

🇸🇰 polypeptid

🇨🇳 多肽

🇸🇮 polipeptid

🇮🇸 fjölspeptíð

🇰🇿 полипептид

🇬🇪 პოლიპეპტიდი

🇦🇿 polipeptid

🇲🇽 polipéptido

Etymology

The term 'polypeptide' was first coined in the early 20th century to describe chains of amino acids that were shorter than proteins. As research in biochemistry advanced, the importance of polypeptides in biological functions became increasingly clear. Today, polypeptides are studied extensively for their roles in health, disease, and drug development.

See also: oligopeptide.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,457, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.