Peptidejä

Peptidejä are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. They are fundamental building blocks of proteins, which are essential molecules for life. Peptides can range in length from just two amino acids (dipeptides) to many dozens. Unlike proteins, which are generally defined as polypeptides containing fifty or more amino acids, peptides are smaller.

The formation of a peptide bond occurs when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a water molecule. This process is called dehydration synthesis. The sequence of amino acids in a peptide is crucial as it determines the peptide's structure and function.

Peptides play diverse roles in biological systems. Many act as hormones, regulating various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. For example, insulin is a peptide hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Other peptides function as neurotransmitters, transmitting signals between nerve cells. Antibiotic peptides, such as defensins, are part of the immune system and help protect against infections.

The study of peptides, known as peptidology, is an important area of biochemistry and molecular biology. Researchers are investigating peptides for their therapeutic potential, with many peptide-based drugs currently in development or use for treating conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Their small size and specificity make them attractive candidates for targeted drug delivery and as signaling molecules.