Peptide research glossary
A plain-English reference for terminology encountered in laboratory reports, catalogues and research papers. Definitions are introductory and should be read alongside the method or study in question.
By Manchester Peptides · ·
Amino acid
A molecular building block that can link with other amino acids to form peptides and proteins.
Analyte
The substance or component an analytical procedure is intended to measure.
Batch or lot
A defined quantity produced under specified conditions. A batch identifier helps connect a sample, label and report.
Certificate of analysis (COA)
A document reporting tests and results for an identified sample or batch. Its scope is limited to what was tested and reported.
Chromatography
A family of methods used to separate components of a mixture so they can be detected or measured.
Clinical study
Research conducted in people according to a protocol. Study design determines which questions it can answer.
Control group
A comparison group used to help distinguish an intervention’s effect from other influences.
Endpoint
A prespecified outcome used to assess what happened in a study.
HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography, a technique used to separate and detect components under defined conditions.
In vitro
Research performed outside a living organism, such as in test tubes or cultured cells.
In vivo
Research performed in a living organism.
LC–MS
Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, combining component separation with mass-to-charge analysis.
Limit of detection
The lowest amount that a method can reliably distinguish from background under stated conditions.
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.
Preclinical research
Laboratory and animal research conducted before clinical studies in people.
Protocol
The planned design and procedures for a study, including participants, outcomes and analysis.
Purity
A measure defined by a stated method. A purity percentage does not by itself establish identity, amount, sterility or clinical suitability.
Reference standard
A well-characterised material used as a comparison in analytical testing.
Specificity
A method’s ability to assess the intended analyte in the presence of other components that may be present.
Validation
Documented evidence that an analytical procedure is suitable for its intended purpose.
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