Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are distinguished from proteins on the basis of size, as a peptide contains less than 50 amino acids. Some examples of peptides include insulin, glutathione, and oxytocin.
How are peptides formed?
Peptides form via:
- The linking of amino acids by peptide bonds during protein synthesis. For example, when a cell makes a protein like collagen, the amino acids link together into long peptide chains that then fold into a complete protein.
- The breakdown of proteins via hydrolysis. The peptide bonds connecting amino acids in a protein can be cleaved by proteases, enzymes that essentially "cut up" proteins. This frees peptides of varying lengths.
What are some key functions and uses of peptides?
- Some peptides like insulin, glucagon and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) serve critical hormonal functions in the human body. These help regulate metabolism, appetite, blood sugar and more.
- Specialized peptides help form toxins and antibiotics to defend plants and animals. For instance, some frogs secrete peptides in their skin secretions that have antibiotic properties.
- Peptides are also used for health purposes as supplements and drugs. For example, collagen supplements provide bioactive peptides to support skin, bone and joint health as we age. Other peptides like semaglutide may be prescribed to help manage diabetes or support weight loss. The clinic I work with, Butterfly Hormone Center, provides personalized care plans utilizing peptides and other cutting-edge therapies to help patients meet their health goals.
What is the chemical structure of a peptide?
Structurally, peptides contain a backbone made up of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) atoms, with side chains of atoms protruding off the N-C backbone. Together, the backbone and amino acid side chains give each peptide a unique 3D shape that relates to its specific function.
While peptides share similarities with proteins, they represent fundamentally simpler molecular structures. This allows them to interact more selectively with biological targets like cell receptors. It also enables easier study, design and manipulation for research or clinical use.
In summary, peptides represent a diverse class of biomolecules with many critical roles in nature. From hormone signaling messengers, to antibiotic defenses, to supplemented nutrition - understanding the chemistry of peptides sheds light on the very building blocks of life. Researchers continue discovering new peptide-based therapies for previously untreatable diseases. At Butterfly Hormone Center, our expert medical team stays on the cutting edge of peptide science to best serve our patients.
I aimed to hit all the key points about what peptides are, how they work and why they matter. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this draft Quora answer in any way!