Peptidien

Peptidien is a term used in some languages to refer to peptides, which are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. In many contexts, Peptidien is essentially synonymous with peptide, though English usage typically prefers the term peptide for these molecules. Peptidien can describe dipeptides, tripeptides, and longer oligopeptides, including polypeptides when the chain is long.

Chemistry and structure: Each amino acid residue is joined to the next by a covalent peptide bond formed through a condensation reaction. The chain has a free amino group at the N-terminus and a free carboxyl group at the C-terminus. The sequence and chemical nature of the residues determine the peptide’s conformation and biological properties. Peptidien may include modified amino acids or cyclic structures that alter stability and function.

Biosynthesis and occurrence: In biology, most peptides are produced as parts of larger proteins by ribosomes and are released by proteolytic processing. Some peptides are made by non-ribosomal peptide synthesis in microorganisms. Dietary proteins yield numerous peptides upon digestion. Chemically, peptidien can be synthesized de novo using solid-phase peptide synthesis or related techniques.

Functions and examples: Peptides serve as hormones (such as oxytocin and vasopressin), neurotransmitters, signaling molecules, or antimicrobial agents. Small peptides like glutathione function in metabolism and redox balance, while larger polypeptides form hormones or enzymes. Therapeutic peptides and peptide drugs are an active area of pharmaceutical research and development.

Analysis and applications: Peptides are routinely analyzed by mass spectrometry and chromatography. They are synthesized for research, diagnostics, and drug development, and their study supports fields from proteomics to functional biology.