Dipeptides are chains of two amino acids found in nature and can be produced in labs. They have various commercial, industrial, and biological uses. Peptides are chains of amino acids, with longer chains known as polypeptides that can form proteins. During digestion, proteins are broken down into polypeptides and then into dipeptides. The body can absorb or synthesize dipeptides as needed. Aspartame is a dipeptide used as an artificial sweetener.
A dipeptide is a peptide chain comprising two amino acids. Numerous dipeptides occur in nature, perform a variety of functions, and can also be produced in laboratory settings. Dipeptides have numerous commercial and industrial uses as well as playing an important role in the biology of many species on Earth. Researchers working with amino acids are often interested in identifying dipeptides and learning about their function, as well as researching known dipeptides to learn more about them.
Peptides in general are chains of amino acids. Short chains may be known by terms that indicate the number of amino acids in the grouping, such as dipeptides, while longer chains are known simply as polypeptides, referring to the fact that they contain many amino acids. Long chains of peptides can link together to form proteins, more complex structures that include numerous groupings of amino acids. Many organisms have the ability to synthesize protein formation with the assistance of enzymes, and enzymes can also be used to break down proteins and peptides into units that can be processed by the organism.
During digestion, the digestive tract begins breaking down dietary proteins into polypeptides, which can be broken down into smaller units such as dipeptides. This is done by attacking the peptide bond that binds two amino acids together. Once broken down, substances can be absorbed by the body as needed. At least one dipeptide actually signals the body to produce enzymes that can be used in digestion.
If the body needs a particular dipeptide, it can either absorb it through the intestinal tract or synthesize it as needed, depending on the dipeptide. The production of peptides can consume energy in the body, while their breakdown is much easier. Numerous dipeptides can be found in the body. An example is cytorphin, found in the brain, where it acts as part of the system used to regulate pain. Other dipeptides do things like reduce fatigue and play a role as antioxidants.
A famous example of a dipeptide with industrial uses is aspartame, an artificial sweetener. Developed in the 1970s, aspartame was later demonized and held responsible for a wide range of health problems. Additional studies suggested that while this dipeptide might be dangerous to some people in high amounts, low-level use of aspartame as an artificial sweetener was probably not a cause for concern.
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