Peptides are short chains of amino acids that function as hormones, neurotransmitters, structural components, and signaling molecules throughout the body. A complete guide covering all six types, how they work, and what they are used for.
The Definition: What Is a Peptide?
A peptide is a molecule consisting of two or more amino acids linked together by peptide bonds — covalent bonds formed between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of the next.
Peptides vs. Proteins: What's the Difference?
Peptides and proteins are made of the same building blocks (amino acids) and connected by the same type of bond (peptide bonds). The distinction is primarily one of size and structural complexity.
How Peptides Work
Most biologically active peptides work through the same fundamental process: they bind to a specific receptor and trigger a cellular response. The specificity of this binding — one peptide to one receptor type — is what gives peptides their precise biological effects.