oligopeptidid

Oligopeptides are short chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. They are generally defined as containing between two and twenty amino acids, although some sources may extend this range slightly. The term "oligopeptide" is derived from the Greek words "oligos," meaning few, and "peptos," meaning digested. Unlike large proteins or polypeptides, oligopeptides do not fold into complex three-dimensional structures. They can be synthesized enzymatically or chemically. Oligopeptides play diverse roles in biological systems, acting as signaling molecules, hormones, and neurotransmitters. For example, some hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin are oligopeptides. They are also found in various food sources and can be produced through the breakdown of larger proteins. In research and pharmaceutical applications, synthetic oligopeptides are utilized for their specific biological activities. Their relatively small size makes them easier to synthesize and study compared to larger proteins.