Tag: Peptide hormones

Peptides are naturally occurring short chains of amino acid monomers connected by amide bonds, playing crucial roles across nearly all biological systems. Understanding what are peptides classed as requires examining their chemical structure, synthesis pathways, and biological functions. They are essentially biomolecules with a diverse range of functions, including signaling, antimicrobial defense, and growth regulation.

Cellular communication relies on messengers like hormones, but a startling fact is that their ability to penetrate a cell's membrane dictates their entire signaling process, creating a fundamental difference between lipid soluble and water soluble pathways. This critical distinction determines where the message is received, how it is amplified, and the ultimate cellular response it produces.

Hormones, the body's chemical messengers, regulate nearly every physiological process, and many are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. A sufficient dietary protein intake is essential for supplying these raw materials and supporting overall hormone production and regulation.

While many people assume 'CGA' is a dietary nutrient, Chromogranin A (CgA) is a protein produced within the body and is a crucial biomarker for various health conditions. It is secreted by neuroendocrine cells and acts as a precursor for several bioactive peptides that regulate metabolic and physiological functions. This means that while not a dietary protein, its presence and activity are deeply intertwined with the body's internal state and overall nutrition.