Introduction to Peptides - PeptideWiki
Discover the fundamentals of peptides, their importance in biology and medicine, key characteristics, and how to navigate this comprehensive wiki for in-depth information.
Introduction to Peptides
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically containing between 2 and 50 amino acid residues. They are the building blocks of proteins and play crucial roles in various biological processes.
Importance of Peptides
- In biology: Peptides act as hormones, neurotransmitters, and signaling molecules, regulating numerous physiological functions.
- In medicine: They are used in treatments for conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
- In research: Peptides serve as tools for understanding protein functions and developing new drugs.
Key Characteristics of Peptides
- Structure: Linear chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
- Function: Determined by the sequence and number of amino acids
- Classification: Based on size (di-, oligo-, polypeptides) or origin (ribosomal, non-ribosomal)
How to Use This Wiki
This wiki is designed to provide comprehensive information about peptides, their properties, applications, and research. Here's how to navigate:
- Use the sidebar to browse different topics
- Click on hyperlinks within articles to explore related subjects
- Utilize the search function to find specific information