GLP-1 is a peptide. A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. Hormones are signaling molecules that are produced by specialized cells and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body to exert their effects.
GLP-1 is produced by L cells in the intestine and acts as a hormone to regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. It is also considered to be an incretin, which is a hormone that is released after eating and stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas.
GLP-1 is therefore a peptide that acts as a hormone. It is more accurate to call GLP-1 a peptide than a protein, as it is a shorter chain of amino acids.
Below is a table that summarizes the key differences between peptides, proteins, and hormones:
| Characteristic | Peptide | Protein | Hormone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Short chain of amino acids (2-50 amino acids) | Long chain of amino acids (50+ amino acids) | Varies |
| Structure | Linear | Can have a variety of structures, including linear, globular, and fibrous | Varies |
| Function | Signaling molecules, hormones, enzymes, structural components of cells, etc. | Structural components of cells, enzymes, transport molecules, etc. | Regulate various bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction |