Polypeptide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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polypeptide
[ˌpɒl.iˈpaɪt ]
Definition
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?
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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).
|
| oligopeptide |
Commonly used in biochemical contexts to refer to a short chain of amino acids, typically less than 20 residues.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Biochemistry
- Polypeptides can vary in length from just a few amino acids to thousands, influencing their function.
- Proteins, made up of one or more polypeptide chains, perform a myriad of roles in biological systems, including catalyzing reactions and providing structure.
- Some polypeptides act as hormones, signaling molecules that help regulate various processes in the body.
Health and Nutrition
- Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein intake ensures the body produces a variety of polypeptides necessary for healthy function.
- Digestive enzymes break proteins into peptides and amino acids, which are then reassembled into new polypeptides during protein synthesis in cells.
- Some conditions, like certain genetic disorders, can arise from faulty polypeptide chains, affecting overall health.
Technology
- Biotechnologists manipulate polypeptides to create synthetic versions for medicine, such as insulin for diabetes.
- Researchers are exploring materials inspired by polypeptides for use in biodegradable plastics and drug delivery systems.
- Techniques like CRISPR involve manipulating the genes that encode specific polypeptides, showcasing their significance in modern genetics.
Art and Culture
- The complex structures of polypeptides inspire artists to create molecular art, illustrating the beauty of biological life.
- In literature, the role of proteins and polypeptides is sometimes used as a metaphor for interconnectedness in life forms.
- Modern dance performances have studied the movements of proteins as a means to express biological processes through art.
Origin of 'polypeptide'
Main points about word origin
- 'Poly' comes from Greek, meaning 'many', while 'peptide' is derived from the Greek word 'peptos' meaning 'digested'.
- The word 'peptide' relates to how these chains are formed through chemical bonds between amino acids.
- Polypeptides form the basis of proteins, as they are essentially longer chains of peptides.
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.