polypeptide

American  

[pol-ee-pep-tahyd, -tid] / ˌpɒl iˈpɛp taɪd, -tɪd /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds and having a molecular weight of up to about 10,000.

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polypeptide British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

1. any of a group of natural or synthetic polymers made up of amino acids chemically linked together; this class includes the proteins See also peptide

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polypeptide Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-pĕp′tīd′ /

1. A peptide, such as a small protein, containing many molecules of amino acids, typically between 10 and 100.

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Etymology

Origin of polypeptide

First recorded in 1900–05; poly- + peptide

Compare meaning

How does polypeptide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• peptide vs. polypeptide

Example Sentences

Glucose and insulin levels were measured, as were ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and pancreatic polypeptide -- hormones associated with the consumption of food.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2024

Meanwhile, when NS3pro detects a viral polypeptide to cut, it forces the complex into the closed conformation, becoming a protease.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

Tirzepatide targets a second hormone, called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

Any change in the gene sequence may lead to a different amino acid being added to the polypeptide chain, causing a change in protein structure and function.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

They had been constructed by John some eighteen months before, for the work on the three- dimensional shape of the polypeptide chain.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson