What are peptides?

What is a peptide?

A peptide is a biologically occurring chemical compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

A peptide bond is a covalent bond that forms between two amino acids when the carboxyl group or C-end of one amino acid reacts with the amino group or N-end of another amino acid in a condensation reaction (a water molecule is released during the reaction). The resulting bond is a CO-NH bond and creates a peptide or amide molecule. Similarly, peptide bonds are amide bonds. Peptides are an essential part of nature and biochemistry, with thousands of peptides naturally occurring in the human body and in animals. Moreover, new peptides are regularly discovered and synthesized in laboratories. Indeed, the discovery and innovation in peptide research is very promising for the future in the field of health and pharmaceutical development.

Role of Peptides in Organisms Peptides play key roles in the functioning of living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans. They perform diverse biological functions, such as regulating metabolic processes, modulating immune responses, signaling between cells, and antibacterial activity. Consequently, peptides are often the subject of scientific research aimed at understanding their structure, function, and potential therapeutic applications. Many well-known hormones, such as insulin and oxytocin, are peptides. Moreover, some peptides have strong pharmacological properties, making them attractive targets for future drugs and therapies. Therefore, research into peptides and their potential applications in medicine is extremely important for the advancement of science and public health.