A plain-English introduction to peptides for newcomers to research.
Part of the PeptidesATX Research Hub
If you're new to the world of peptide research, you're probably wondering what peptides actually are. Let's break it down in simple terms.
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids. Amino acids are often called the "building blocks of life" because they combine to form the proteins and other molecules that make our bodies function. When a few amino acids link together in a specific sequence, they form a peptide.
Think of it like this: if amino acids are individual LEGO bricks, then a peptide is a small structure made from a handful of those bricks snapped together in a particular order.
You might hear "peptides" and "proteins" used in similar contexts, but they're not quite the same thing. The main difference is size:
Because peptides are smaller, they're often easier for researchers to synthesize and study. They can also pass through biological membranes more easily than larger proteins, which is one reason they're of interest in laboratory research.
Your body naturally produces thousands of different peptides. They serve as chemical messengers, carrying signals between cells and organs. Some well-known examples of natural peptides include:
These natural peptides demonstrate how small chains of amino acids can have significant biological effects by interacting with specific receptors on cells.
Peptides are valuable research tools for several reasons:
In laboratory settings, researchers use peptides to study everything from cellular signaling pathways to receptor binding characteristics. This research helps build foundational knowledge about biological processes.
Research peptides are often grouped by their primary area of study:
It's important to understand the distinction between research-grade and pharmaceutical-grade peptides:
When you see peptides sold for "research purposes only," this indicates they are intended exclusively for laboratory use and have not been approved for any other application.
Not all peptides are created equal. For meaningful research, purity and quality are essential. High-quality research peptides typically feature:
Learn more about evaluating quality in our guide: How to Evaluate a Peptide Vendor.
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked together. Think of amino acids as individual beads, and a peptide as a short string of those beads connected in a specific order. When the chain gets longer (typically over 50 amino acids), it becomes a protein.
The main difference is size. Peptides are shorter chains (typically 2-50 amino acids), while proteins are longer chains (50+ amino acids) that fold into complex 3D structures. Peptides are generally simpler molecules that can act as signaling molecules in the body.
Peptides are important in research because they play crucial roles in biological signaling. They can act as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. Studying peptides helps researchers understand cellular communication and biological processes.
Peptides can be both. The human body naturally produces thousands of peptides that regulate various functions. Synthetic peptides are created in laboratories and may be identical to natural peptides or modified versions designed for specific research purposes.
Research peptides are manufactured for laboratory and scientific investigation purposes only. Pharmaceutical peptides have undergone extensive clinical trials and regulatory approval for therapeutic use. Research-grade peptides are not approved for human or veterinary use.
Now that you understand what peptides are, you might want to explore:
Explore our catalog of research-grade peptides with certificates of analysis.
Browse Products Research HubThis compound is intended for laboratory research use only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use.