Peptide glossary · Structure and synthesis
Sequence
The order of the amino acids in a peptide, read from the N- to the C-terminus. It is written in one- or three-letter code, such as GHK or Gly-His-Lys. The sequence sets mass, charge, solubility and stability.
In the lab
Modifications belong in the sequence, such as "Ac-" for an acetyl group at the start or "-NH2" for an amide at the end. Only with them does the calculated mass match.
Read morePeptide Nomenclature Explained: Why the Same Substance Has Several NamesMore 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.
- AmidationReplacing the C-terminal carboxyl group with an amide.
- 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.
For laboratory research use only. Not for use in humans or animals.