Research Education

PerformanceLabsUK supplies independently tested research reference materials for in vitro laboratory and scientific research use only, not for human or veterinary use.

A Glossary of Peptide Research Terminology

Research Terminology

This page is educational and provides plain-terms definitions of general scientific and industry terminology. It does not provide research findings about any specific compound.

Peptide research literature and this site both use a set of recurring terms that are not always explained in full. This glossary brings those terms together in one place, in plain terms, for reference.

Research Model Terms

Term	Definition
In vitro	Research carried out with cells, tissue or molecules outside a living organism, typically in a controlled laboratory setting
In vivo	Research carried out within a living organism, most commonly an animal model
Ex vivo	Research using tissue taken from a living organism and studied shortly after removal
Preprint	A research paper made publicly available before undergoing formal peer review
Peer review	The process by which independent experts assess a study's methods and conclusions before publication

Testing and Quality Terms

Term	Definition
Certificate of Analysis (COA)	A document recording the independently tested results for a specific batch of material
Batch number	An identifier linking a specific unit of product to its corresponding Certificate of Analysis
HPLC	High-performance liquid chromatography, a technique used to measure the purity of a sample
Mass spectrometry	A technique used to confirm the molecular identity of a sample
Third-party testing	Testing carried out by a laboratory with no ownership or financial connection to the supplier
Accreditation	Formal, independently verified recognition that a laboratory meets a defined competence standard

Compound Classification Terms

Term	Definition
Agonist	A compound studied for its ability to activate a specific receptor
Receptor	A cellular structure that a compound is studied to interact with, triggering a biological signal
Analogue	A compound structurally related to, but distinct from, a naturally occurring molecule
Research reference grade	Material supplied and labelled specifically for laboratory research use, not for human or animal administration

Frequently asked questions

Is this glossary specific to any one compound?

No. This glossary covers general terminology used across peptide research literature and this site, rather than findings about any specific compound.

Are all compounds referenced on this site independently tested?

Yes. Every batch is independently tested and issued with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis before dispatch.

Are compounds discussed on this site intended for human or animal use?

No. All compounds discussed on this site are supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only, and are not intended for human or animal administration.

Where can I find a Certificate of Analysis?

Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis are published in the PerformanceLabsUK COA library, referenced against the batch number shown on the product page.

Does this page constitute medical advice?

No. This page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concern.

Research content only. PerformanceLabsUK Ltd, company number SC883220, registered in Scotland.