Oligopeptide Glossary
Comprehensive terminology reference for oligopeptide chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
A
- Amino Acid
- Organic molecule containing both an amino group (−NH₂) and a carboxyl group (−COOH). The 20 standard amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and peptides.
- Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)
- Short peptides (5–50 aa) that kill or inhibit microorganisms. Part of the innate immune system. Examples: defensins, cathelicidins.
P
- Peptide Bond
- Covalent amide bond formed between the α-carboxyl group of one amino acid and the α-amino group of another, with loss of water. Has partial double-bond character due to resonance.
- Pharmacokinetics (PK)
- Study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Key parameters: half-life (t½), bioavailability (F), clearance (CL), volume of distribution (Vd).
O
- Oligopeptide
- Peptide containing 2–20 amino acid residues. Distinguished from polypeptides (>20 aa) and proteins (>50 aa with defined tertiary structure).
- Isoelectric Point (pI)
- pH at which a peptide carries no net electrical charge. Important for purification (isoelectric focusing) and formulation.