Sizes of Peptides, Amino Acids, Proteins…

Size of Amino AcidsAmino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and play a key role in biological processes. There are a total of 22 standard amino acids used for protein synthesis in living organisms.

The average molecular weight (based on the weight of a hydrogen atom being 1) of each amino acid is approximately between 100 and 125 Daltons.

Size of Peptides

The size of a peptideA peptide is a molecule consisting of a chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Peptides are shorter chains than proteins and usually contain from 2 to 50 amino acids. When the number of amino acids in a chain exceeds 50, such molecules are called proteins. Peptides can perform various functions in the body, including: Hormones, Neuropeptides, Antibiotics, Antioxidants plays an important role in its ability to penetrate the skin. In general, peptides with a size of up to 500 Daltons (Da) can penetrate the upper layers of the skin, such as the epidermis.

However, for a peptide to penetrate into the deeper layers of the dermis or into the bloodstream, it must be sufficiently small and sufficiently lipophilic (i.e., soluble in fats).

• Molecules with a size of up to 500 Daltons often penetrate the upper layer of the skin (the stratum corneum of the epidermis), but their penetration into the dermis is limited.
• Peptides with a molecular weight greater than 1000 Daltons (for example, larger peptides or proteinsProteins are high-molecular organic substances consisting of alpha-amino acids linked in a chain by a peptide bond. In living organisms, the amino acid composition of proteins is determined by the genetic code. During synthesis, 20 standard amino acids are used in most cases. Many combinations of them determine the great diversity of properties of protein molecules. Proteins play a key role in the immune response and can perform transport, storage, catalytic, structural, and receptor functions. Proteins are an important part of the nutrition of animals and humans. The main sources of proteins are meat, poultry, fish, milk, nuts, legumes, and grains.) often do not penetrate deeply into the skin and remain in the upper layers of the epidermis, without reaching the dermis.

Thus, peptides with a size of up to 500 Da can penetrate the skin and exert effects, such as moisturizing, stimulating collagenCollagen is a fibrillar protein, one of the main building elements of the body. It constitutes a significant part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, joints, bones, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, giving them the ability to resist stretching. synthesis, and other cosmetic or therapeutic actions. Peptides with a higher mass are more likely to remain on the surface or in the upper layers of the epidermis.

Sizes of Proteins

Proteins are polymeric molecules where amino acids serve as the monomers. Only 20 alpha-amino acids are found in the proteins of the human body. The same amino acids are present in proteins with different structures and functions. The individuality of protein molecules is determined by the sequence of amino acids in the protein.

Amino acids are organic acids containing one or more amino groups.

All α-amino acids, except aminoacetic acid (glycineGlycine is an amino acid that regulates metabolic processes in the central nervous system. It belongs to neurotransmitters (participates in the transmission of nerve impulses). Glycine is a key component of collagen, which gives structure to bones, muscles, connective tissues, and skin. It also participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, increasing the efficiency of information transfer between neurons.), have an asymmetric α-carbon atom and exist as two enantiomers. Virtually all proteins are built from 20 α-amino acids, which, with the exception of glycine, belong to the L-series.