Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chain of amino acids: A "polypeptide" is a molecule consisting of a chain of many amino acids (typically between 10 and 100 or more) linked by peptide bonds. It is a fundamental structural component of proteins.

Usage

• A "polypeptide" is a biochemical term used to describe a specific type of polymer formed from amino acids. It is often discussed in the context of protein synthesis, structure, and function. The term distinguishes a chain of intermediate length from shorter chains (peptides) and full, functional proteins, which may consist of one or more folded polypeptide chains.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Insulin is a hormone composed of two polypeptide chains.
  • The ribosome assembles the polypeptide during translation.
  • Researchers studied the polypeptide sequence to understand the protein's function.

Advanced Usage

• "Polypeptide chain": This common collocation emphasizes the linear, chain-like structure of the molecule.
  • The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.
• "Polypeptide synthesis": Refers to the biological or laboratory process of creating a polypeptide.
  • Polypeptide synthesis occurs in the ribosomes of a cell.

Variants and Related Words

• Peptide (noun): A shorter chain of amino acids (typically containing fewer than 10-20 amino acids).
• Protein (noun): A large, complex molecule composed of one or more polypeptide chains that are folded into a specific three-dimensional structure to perform a biological function.
• Amino acid (noun): The organic compounds that are the building blocks of polypeptides and proteins.

Synonyms

• Amino acid chain: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its composition.
• Protein subunit: In some contexts, when referring to a single chain that is part of a larger protein complex.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Primary structure: The linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide or protein.
• Post-translational modification: Chemical modifications to a polypeptide chain after it is synthesized, which are often necessary for the protein to become fully functional.

Noun

1. a peptide containing 10 to more than 100 amino acids