Peptide Glossary
A comprehensive list of common peptide-related terms and definitions
Amino Acid
Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. There are 20 different standard amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins and peptides.
Anabolic
Relating to the metabolic process that builds larger molecules from smaller ones, contributing to growth of tissues such as muscle.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a substance that enters circulation when introduced into the body and is available to have an active effect.
Biological Half-Life
The time required for the concentration of a substance to decrease by half in the body.
Dipeptide
A peptide consisting of two amino acids joined by a single peptide bond.
Disulfide Bond
A covalent bond between sulfur atoms that plays an important role in the folding and stability of peptides and proteins.
GH (Growth Hormone)
A peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.
GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)
A peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates the production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
A hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin that plays an important role in growth and anabolic processes.
Intramuscular (IM) Injection
An injection administered into muscle tissue.
Peptide
Short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Generally, peptides contain fewer than 50 amino acids.
Peptide Bond
A chemical bond formed between two amino acids during a condensation reaction, linking the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of another.
Protein
Large, complex molecules composed of amino acids. Proteins typically contain more than 50 amino acids and have more complex structures than peptides.
Proteolysis
The breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids.
Receptor
A protein molecule to which specific substances (like hormones or peptides) can bind, triggering a response in the cell.
Reconstitution
The process of adding a solvent to a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide to prepare it for administration.
Secretagogue
A substance that promotes secretion of another substance, such as a peptide that stimulates the secretion of growth hormone.
Subcutaneous (SC) Injection
An injection administered into the fatty tissue below the skin.
Synthesis
The process of producing a peptide by chemically combining amino acids in a specific sequence.
Tripeptide
A peptide consisting of three amino acids joined by two peptide bonds.