Glossary
Amino Acid Organic molecule with both amino (−NH₂) and carboxyl (−COOH) groups. 20 standard amino acids are protein building blocks. Classified by side chain properties: hydrophobic, polar, charged.
Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) Short peptides (5-50 aa) that kill microorganisms. Part of innate immunity. Examples: defensins, cathelicidins, magainins. Mechanism: membrane disruption.
Peptide Bond Amide bond between amino acids. Formed by dehydration synthesis. Has partial double-bond character (resonance). Planar geometry. Typically trans configuration.
Pharmacokinetics Study of ADME: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion. Key parameters: half-life (t½), bioavailability (F), clearance (CL), volume of distribution (Vd).
Spaced Repetition Learning technique with increasing intervals between reviews. Optimizes long-term retention. FSRS algorithm adapts intervals to individual learning patterns.
Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Relationship between chemical structure and biological activity. Used in drug design to optimize potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetics.