• the presence of the metal ion in metalloprotein enzymes allows them to perform functions, such as catalyzing redox reactions, that other polypeptide enzymes cannot achieve?
• the enzyme neprilysin (pictured) degrades amyloid beta, a peptide whose abnormal aggregation is implicated as a cause of Alzheimer's disease?
• in 1985, molecular biologist Richard A. Houghten developed the "tea-bag" method for peptide selection?
• neurosurgeon Keith Black, featured in a Time special issue on "Heroes of Medicine", is known for his discovery that the peptide bradykinin can be effective in opening the blood-brain barrier?

Facts on topics related to Peptide

Amino acid

• even one hundred years after its discovery, the role of the amino acid ergothioneine (molecule pictured) in the human body remains a mystery?
• the amino acid glutamine can be broken down to produce glutamate, aspartate, carbon dioxide, pyruvate, lactate, alanine and citrate?
• the presence of indoleic acid in one's urine may indicate a pathological accumulation of the amino acid tryptophan in the blood?

Hormone

• medrogestone is a synthetic steroid with activity similar to the natural hormone progesterone, but unlike progesterone, is not transported by transcortin in the blood?
• the insect hormone bursicon hastens the tanning of the cuticle and hardens it?