Introduction to Peptides: Understanding the Basics of These Powerful Molecules

Peptides are molecules of two or more amino acids linked by peptide bonds—covalent links formed when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amine group of another in a condensation reaction, releasing water. The resultant CO–NH bond is also called an amide bond. The term “peptide” comes from the Greek πέσσειν, meaning “to digest.” Peptides are fundamental in biochemistry, widely present in living organisms, and continually synthesized in labs to explore new therapeutic possibilities….