Gene vs. Protein — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins, the functional molecules essential for biological processes.
Difference Between Gene and Protein
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gene is a specific sequence of nucleotide bases in DNA that provides the instructions for constructing proteins, which are crucial for all biological functions. On the other hand, proteins are complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform a vast array of functions, from catalyzing metabolic reactions to supporting cellular structure.
Genes are essentially the blueprint for protein synthesis. They dictate the specific sequence of amino acids that will form a protein, influencing everything from enzyme activity to hormone function. Whereas proteins, as the end products of these instructions, execute these diverse roles throughout the body, directly impacting health and disease.
While genes are static and remain unchanged except through mutations, proteins are dynamic, constantly being synthesized and degraded within cells to meet the body's needs. This means that while genetic information is fixed, protein levels can vary widely in response to environmental conditions.
Genes are located within the chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell and are transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) as a first step in protein synthesis. Conversely, proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm, specifically at the ribosome, where mRNA is translated into the amino acid chain that forms the protein.
In terms of heredity, genes are passed from parent to offspring, carrying the genetic information that influences traits. Proteins, however, do not transfer hereditary information but are synthesized anew in each individual based on the genetic blueprint provided by the genes.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Codes for proteins
Performs bodily functions
Composition
DNA sequences
Amino acid chains
Location
Nucleus (chromosomes)
Cytoplasm (ribosomes)
Role in Heredity
Carries genetic information
Synthesized from genetic information
Dynamics
Static (mutable only by mutation)
Dynamic, variable levels
Compare with Definitions
Gene
Segment of DNA.
Genes are composed of long sequences of DNA bases.
Protein
Biological molecule.
Proteins are essential components of muscles, enzymes, and hormones.
Gene
Unit of heredity.
Each gene carries information that can influence a person's traits.
Protein
Catalysts in metabolism.
Many proteins are enzymes that help speed up chemical reactions.
Gene
Blueprint for protein.
Genes dictate the structure and function of proteins.
Protein
Made of amino acids.
The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its function.
Gene
Located on chromosomes.
Chromosomes contain many genes that are key to development.
Protein
Variable synthesis.
Protein levels in the body can change in response to health and diet.
Gene
In biology, a gene (from genos (Greek) meaning generation or birth or gender) is a basic unit of heredity and a sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that encodes the synthesis of a gene product, either RNA or protein.During gene expression, the DNA is first copied into RNA. The RNA can be directly functional or be the intermediate template for a protein that performs a function. The transmission of genes to an organism's offspring is the basis of the inheritance of phenotypic traits.
Protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that are comprised of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli, providing structure to cells and organisms, and transporting molecules from one location to another.
Gene
(in informal use) a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring
Playing tennis is in my genes
Protein
Any of a group of complex organic macromolecules that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes.
Gene
A hereditary unit consisting of a sequence of DNA that occupies a specific location on a chromosome and is transcribed into an RNA molecule that may function directly or be translated into an amino acid chain. Genes undergo mutation when their DNA sequences change.
Protein
Any of numerous large, complex naturally-produced molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids, in which the amino acid groups are held together by peptide bonds.
Amino acid
Gene
(genetics) A theoretical unit of heredity of living organisms; a gene may take several values and in principle predetermines a precise trait of an organism's form (phenotype), such as hair color.
Protein
One of three major classes of food or source of food energy (4 kcal/gram) abundant in animal-derived foods i.e. meat and some vegetables, such as legumes.
Gene
(molecular biology) A segment of DNA or RNA from a cell's or an organism's genome, that may take several forms and thus parameterizes a phenomenon, in general the structure of a protein; locus.
A change in a gene is reflected in the protein or RNA molecule that it codes for.
Protein
A food rich in protein, often a meat or meat substitute.
Gene
(genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity;
Genes were formerly called factors
Protein
In chemical analysis, the total nitrogenous material in vegetable or animal substances, obtained by multiplying the total nitrogen found by a factor, usually 6.25, assuming most proteids to contain approximately 16 per cent of nitrogen.
Gene
Mutable by mutation.
Mutations in genes can lead to genetic disorders or variation.
Protein
Any polymer of an amino acid joined by peptide (amide) bonds. Most natural proteins have alpha-amino acids as the monomeric constituents. All classical enzymes are composed of protein, and control most of the biochemical transformations carrie dout in living cells. They may be soluble, as casein, albumins, and other globular proteins, or insoluble (e. g. "structural proteins"), as collagen or keratin. "albumin", an older term for protein, is now used primarily to refer to certain specific soluble globular proteins found in eggs or blood serum, e.g. bovine serum albumin, the main soluble protein in teh serum of cattle, used as an enzymatically inert protein in biochemical research.
Protein
Any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes;
A diet high in protein
Protein
Structural component of cells.
Collagen, a protein, provides structure to skin and bones.
Common Curiosities
Where are genes and proteins located within a cell?
Genes are located on chromosomes in the nucleus, while proteins are generally synthesized in the cytoplasm at ribosomes.
How do genes and proteins relate to each other?
Genes provide the instructions for making proteins, which are the molecules that carry out these instructions.
What is a protein?
A protein is a complex molecule made up of amino acids that performs various functions in the body.
What happens if there is a mutation in a gene?
A mutation can alter the protein that the gene codes for, potentially leading to dysfunction and disease.
How is protein synthesis regulated?
Protein synthesis is regulated at both the transcriptional level (gene to mRNA) and translational level (mRNA to protein).
What is a gene?
A gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a protein or a functional RNA molecule.
Can the function of a gene change?
The function of a gene typically remains consistent unless altered by a mutation.
Do genes directly perform functions in the body?
No, genes themselves do not perform functions; they code for proteins that perform functions.
Are all proteins encoded by genes?
Yes, all proteins are encoded by genes, although some are further modified after synthesis.
Why are proteins important?
Proteins are crucial for nearly every task a cell carries out, from building cellular structures to digesting nutrients.
How do environmental factors influence protein synthesis?
Environmental factors can affect how much and which proteins are synthesized in response to changes in conditions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.