Polypeptide - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A polypeptide is a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming part of or the entire structure of a protein. It plays a key role in biological functions.
Definition:
A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming part of protein structure.
Synonyms:
peptide chain, oligopeptide, protein fragment
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
monomer, single amino acid
Common Collocations:
polypeptide chain, polypeptide synthesis, polypeptide bond, polypeptide sequence
Derivatives:
polypeptidic, polypeptidase
Usage Tips:
Use "polypeptide" when referring to a specific sequence of amino acids in biochemistry or molecular biology contexts.
Common Phrases:
polypeptide hormone, polypeptide antibiotic, polypeptide vaccine
Etymology:
From Greek "poly-" (many) + "peptos" (digested), referring to multiple peptide bonds in the structure.
Examples:
- 1. The enzyme breaks down the polypeptide into smaller peptides.
- 2. Scientists synthesized a new polypeptide in the lab for their research.
- 3. This hormone is a polypeptide with 30 amino acids.
- 4. The ribosome assembles the polypeptide during translation.