Peptide glossary · Structure and synthesis
Amidation
Replacing the C-terminal carboxyl group with an amide. This removes a negative charge and occurs in many natural peptide hormones. Amidated peptides are often more stable against carboxypeptidases.
In the lab
Whether a peptide is amidated shows as "-NH2" at the end of the sequence. The mass is just under 1 Da lower than the free acid.
More terms: Structure and synthesis
- AcetylationAdding an acetyl group, usually at the N-terminus.
- Aib (aminoisobutyric acid)A non-proteinogenic amino acid with two methyl groups on the alpha carbon.
- AnalogueA molecule that resembles a natural model but is changed on purpose, for example by swapping amino acids or adding a side chain.
- C-terminusThe end of a peptide with the free carboxyl group, on the right of the sequence.
- D-amino acidThe mirror image of the natural L-amino acid.
- Deletion sequenceA synthesis by-product missing one or more amino acids.
For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.