Peptide Glossary
Peptide Glossary
Welcome to the Australian Peptide Glossary.
This glossary has been developed to explain common terms used in peptide chemistry, laboratory research and analytical science. Whether you are learning about research peptides, laboratory testing or quality documentation, this resource provides clear educational explanations of important terminology used throughout the scientific community.
Select a term below to learn more.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Albumin Binding
Albumin binding refers to the reversible attachment of a molecule to albumin, a major transport protein found in blood plasma. In peptide chemistry, albumin binding is often studied because it can influence how long a peptide remains stable during biological research.
Albumin-binding modifications are commonly investigated in modern peptide design, especially for lipidated peptides.
Amino Acid
An amino acid is a small organic molecule that acts as a building block of peptides and proteins. Peptides are formed when amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds.
The order of amino acids in a peptide is called the peptide sequence. This sequence influences the peptide's structure, stability and biochemical properties.
B
Batch Number
A batch number is a unique identification code assigned to a specific production batch. It helps connect a product to its Certificate of Analysis, QR code verification and laboratory documentation.
Batch numbers are important for traceability, quality control and research record keeping.
C
Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis, often called a COA, is a laboratory document that provides analytical information for a specific production batch.
For research peptides, a Certificate of Analysis may include details such as product name, batch number, appearance, purity result, testing method and identity confirmation.
A COA helps support traceability and laboratory record keeping. View available documentation in the Certificate of Analysis Library.
E
F
G
GIP Receptor
The GIP receptor is a protein receptor involved in incretin signalling. GIP stands for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide.
In peptide research, the GIP receptor is studied because certain synthetic peptides are designed to interact with this receptor as part of broader metabolic and molecular biology research.
GLP-1 Receptor
The GLP-1 receptor is a protein receptor involved in incretin signalling. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1.
In scientific research, the GLP-1 receptor is studied because it plays an important role in receptor pharmacology, peptide signalling and metabolic research.
Glucagon Receptor
The glucagon receptor is a protein receptor involved in glucagon signalling. It is commonly studied in research relating to metabolism, liver biology and peptide receptor pharmacology.
Some investigational peptides are designed to interact with the glucagon receptor as part of multi-receptor research.
H
HPLC
HPLC stands for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. It is an analytical testing method used to separate and measure different components in a sample.
In peptide analysis, HPLC is commonly used to assess purity by showing the main peptide peak and any detectable impurities. Learn more about how purity is reported in Understanding HPLC Purity.
I
J
K
L
LC-MS
LC-MS stands for Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. It combines liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry to help identify a molecule by its mass.
For research peptides, LC-MS is commonly used alongside HPLC to support identity confirmation and analytical documentation.
Lipidation
Lipidation is the attachment of a fatty acid or lipid-like chain to a peptide molecule.
In peptide chemistry, lipidation is studied because it can influence albumin binding, molecular stability and how the peptide behaves in research settings.
Lyophilised Powder
Lyophilised powder refers to material that has been freeze-dried to remove water under controlled conditions.
Many research peptides are supplied as lyophilised powder because this form can help improve stability during storage and transport.
M
MT-2
MT-2, also known as Melanotan 2 Acetate, is a synthetic research peptide used in laboratory and analytical studies involving melanocortin receptor research. Australian Peptide supplies MT-2 for laboratory research and analytical reference use only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use.
N
NAD+
NAD+, also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a biochemical research compound studied in laboratory settings for its role as a coenzyme in cellular redox chemistry and molecular research models. Australian Peptide supplies NAD+ for laboratory research and analytical reference use only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use.
O
P
Peptide
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. Peptides are studied in biochemistry, molecular biology and laboratory research because their sequence and structure can influence their chemical and biological properties.
Peptides may be naturally occurring or synthetically produced for scientific investigation. View available Research Peptides supplied by Australian Peptide.
Peptide Bond
A peptide bond is the chemical bond that joins two amino acids together. Peptide bonds form the backbone of peptides and proteins.
The order of amino acids connected by peptide bonds creates the peptide sequence.
Peptide Sequence
A peptide sequence is the specific order of amino acids in a peptide chain.
The sequence of a peptide influences its structure, stability and biochemical properties. Even small changes in sequence can affect how a peptide behaves in laboratory research.
Peptide Synthesis
Peptide synthesis is the laboratory process used to create peptides by joining amino acids together in a specific sequence.
One of the most common methods is Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis, which allows peptides to be assembled one amino acid at a time.
Q
QR Code Verification
QR code verification is a digital verification method that links a product or batch number to supporting documentation.
For research materials, QR code verification can help connect a vial, batch number and Certificate of Analysis Library to the correct product documentation.
R
Research Peptide
A research peptide is a peptide supplied for laboratory and scientific research. Research peptides are commonly studied in fields such as peptide chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry and analytical science.
Research peptides are not supplied for human or veterinary use. View the full Research Peptides range from Australian Peptide.
S
Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis
Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis, often called SPPS, is a laboratory method used to build peptides one amino acid at a time.
The growing peptide chain is attached to a solid resin while amino acids are added in sequence. SPPS is widely used in peptide chemistry because it allows controlled and repeatable peptide production.
T
Triple Receptor Agonist
A triple receptor agonist is a molecule designed to activate three receptor systems.
Retatrutide is described in scientific literature as a triple receptor agonist because it is designed to interact with the GIP receptor, GLP-1 receptor and glucagon receptor.