Polypeptides
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Terms
used to describe digestion and digestive processes
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Polypeptides are substances whose molecules consist of three* or more amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. (Note that the prefix "poly-" indicates "many", implying a structure consisting of multiple units attached together.)
For comparison:
- Two amino acids linked together by a peptide bond form a dipeptide, whereas
- Three or more amino acids linked together by a peptide bond form a polypeptide.
An example of a polypeptide is a protein.
All protein molecules are polypeptides.
More about the Digestive System:
This section includes pages about:
- Introduction to the Digestive System
- Terminology about Digestion
- Passage through the alimentary tract
- Component Parts of the Digestive System, incl. Teeth, Stomach, Liver, Small Intestine, Large Intestine
- Chemical Processes in the Digestive System (introductory level)
- Diseases and Disorders of the Digestive System
For further information see also our pages of books about gastroenterology.
- The digestive system (introduction)
- Digestive System Terminology
- Main Stages of the Digestive Process
- Transit through the Alimentary Canal
- Absorption Sites
- Structures of the mouth
- Teeth - as part of the digestive system
- Stomach
- Liver
- Small Intestine
- Large Intestine
- Defecation
- Digestive System Diseases & Disorders
