Peptide Glossary

Amino acid - Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

Catalyst - A chemical that affects the speed of a chemical process.

Chemical bond - A chemical bond is a type of attraction force which holds together different types of chemical.

DAC - "Drug Affinity Complex"; Stabilizes peptides within the body, prolonging their effects.

Endocrine system - Creates and releases hormones which regulate many functions of the body.

Enzyme - A protein found within cells that acts as a catalyst.

Ghrelin - A natural hormone produced in the stomach that promotes appetite.

Half-life - Essentially, this is the time taken for a peptide to decay to half its potency.

Hormone - Chemical "messenger" of the endocrine system.

In vitro - Latin lit. "in glass" - The use and research of chemicals with/within laboratory equipment.

Ion - An electrically charged atom or molecule.

Lipogenesis - The process of creating fat within the body.

Lipolysis - The process of converting stored fat to energy.

Lypholized - A peptide that has been freeze-dried into a powder.

Melanocortin - A group of peptides involved in a range of physiological processes, from skin pigmentation to appetite control and immune response.

Molecule - A molecule is the smallest amount of a chemical substance that can exist.

Neuropeptide - A neuropeptide is a type of peptide that specifically affects the nervous system.

Peptide - Two or more amino acids linked by a peptide bond.

Peptide bond - A peptide bond is chemical bond between two amino acids.

Pineal Gland - Helps regulate the circadian rhythm, the body's "sense" of light and dark.

Pituitary gland - Controls other glands of the endocrine system and releases growth hormone.

Protein - Proteins are long-chain molecules built from amino acids. They are joined with peptide bonds.

Tripeptide - A peptide made of three amino acids linked with peptide bonds.