Peptide Glossary

Peptide terminology, explained concisely.

Terms around peptide structure, receptors, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide and peptide-related analytics and batch documentation. No dosing, injection or administration guidance.

Search peptide glossary21 terms

Peptide

A molecule made of a chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Peptides can have very different biological properties depending on sequence, length and structure.

Amino Acid

Fundamental building block of peptides and proteins. The order of amino acids defines the primary structure of a peptide.

Peptide Bond

Covalent bond that links amino acids within a peptide chain.

Amino Acid Sequence

Defined order of amino acids in a peptide. It is a central identity characteristic of the molecule.

Molecular Weight

Mass of a molecule, commonly expressed in daltons. For peptides, it can be analytically assessed using methods such as mass spectrometry.

Receptor

Protein structure that can bind specific molecules and initiate or influence cellular signalling.

Receptor Agonist

A substance that binds to a receptor and activates its signalling pathway.

GLP-1

Glucagon-like Peptide-1. An endogenous peptide hormone and receptor signalling pathway relevant to peptide research.

GIP

Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide. An endogenous peptide hormone and receptor pathway studied in metabolic research.

Glucagon Receptor

Receptor for the peptide hormone glucagon. It is studied in metabolic and endocrine research.

Semaglutide

Peptide-based GLP-1 receptor agonist. Within this catalogue the term is used only in a research and documentation context; this glossary provides no dosing or administration guidance.

Tirzepatide

Peptide-based dual agonist at GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The description here is limited to scientific terminology and product documentation.

Retatrutide

Peptide-based multi-receptor agonist with activity at GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. It is presented here solely in a research context.

Lyophilized

Material placed into a dry state through freeze-drying. Specific storage conditions remain product-specific and must come from verified documentation.

Purity

Analytical value describing the proportion of target material in a tested sample. A purity value should always be considered together with batch, method and verified test documentation.

Identity

Analytical confirmation that tested material is consistent with the expected molecular identity.

HPLC

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. A chromatographic method that can be used with peptides to separate and assess components of a sample.

LC-MS

Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Combines chromatographic separation with mass spectrometry for peptide characterisation and identity assessment.

COA

Certificate of Analysis. Batch-linked document that can summarise available test results, methods and related analytical data.

Batch / Lot

Unique identifier for a defined batch. For peptides, it links the product to analytical, COA, storage and future fulfilment records.

BAC Water

Bacteriostatic Water. A water-based research supply with a preservative component; exact composition and specification must match the actual selected product.

Terminology reference

IUPAC Gold Book · PeptidesIUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology · 5th ed. · online version 2025

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