Glossary
Key terms you will encounter while learning about peptides. This glossary will grow with the site.
- Peptide
- A short chain of amino acids — think of it as a short text message that cells use to communicate. Proteins are longer chains (full novels).
- Amino acid
- The building block of peptides and proteins. 20 standard amino acids are used by the human body, linked together in chains.
- Agonist
- A molecule that binds to a receptor and activates it, triggering a biological response. An antagonist blocks the receptor instead.
- GLP-1
- Glucagon-like peptide-1. A natural hormone that slows stomach emptying, increases feelings of fullness, and supports insulin release when blood sugar is high.
- GIP
- Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. A hormone that supports insulin responses and may improve how the body handles nutrients.
- Glucagon
- A hormone that raises blood sugar and increases energy expenditure. When paired with GLP-1 and GIP activity, the net effect in triple-agonist drugs is lower blood sugar plus greater weight loss.
- Reconstitution
- The process of adding a sterile liquid (usually bacteriostatic water) to a lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder to create an injectable solution.
- Lyophilized
- Freeze-dried. Many peptides are sold as a dry powder that must be reconstituted before use. Lyophilization helps preserve the peptide during storage and shipping.
- Bacteriostatic water
- Sterile water containing a small amount of benzyl alcohol that inhibits bacterial growth. The standard liquid used for reconstituting peptides.
- COA
- Certificate of Analysis. A document from a testing lab that reports the purity, identity, and sometimes the quantity of a batch. A critical quality check.
More terms will be added as lessons are published. ← Back to Home