"Small peptides" refers to short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They are smaller in size compared to larger, more complex proteins. Full definition
In Robinson's lab, Sharon studied protein - protein interactions within proteasomes, large multiprotein complexes that clear cells of unwanted proteins by degrading them into small peptide fragments. (sciencemag.org)
Basically, when using hydrolyzed dog food diet, the protein in the food is broken down into smaller peptide fragments that prevent bridging and histamine release from occurring. (topdogtips.com)
When caspases chopped off small peptides from the mutant region of huntingtin, they thought, the peptides accumulated into the abnormal globs seen in the neurons of Huntington's victims. (sciencemag.org)