HealthAugust 15, 2026
polypeptides
POL-ee-PEP-tahydz
Definition
Chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, serving as the fundamental building blocks of proteins.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'polys' meaning 'many' and 'peptos' meaning 'digested' or 'cooked,' referring to the long chains of amino acid residues linked by peptide bonds.
In the news
Scientists extracted these specific molecules from deer antlers to test their ability to accelerate the repair of fractured bones in mice. They act as the active biological agents in the study that speed up the natural bone-knitting process.
Antlers hold secret to healing broken limbs, say scientists
Read the full article ↗Daily Mail