Polypeptide vs. Protein — What's the Difference?

Linear chain of amino acids

Functional biological molecule

Non-functional entity

May contain multiple polypeptide chains

Created through translation

Participates in cellular processes

Building block of proteins

Performs various biological functions

Simple molecular structure

Complex structure

A peptide, especially one composed of 10 or more amino acids.

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.

(organic chemistry) Any polymer of (same or different) amino acids joined via peptide bonds.

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.

(biochemistry) Any such polymer that is not folded into a secondary structure of a 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.

(protein) A small protein containing up to 100 amino acids; see also oligopeptide.

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.

A peptide containing 10 to more than 100 amino acids

A food rich in protein, often a meat or meat substitute.

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.

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.

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;

No, all polypeptides are not proteins; they often need to fold into a functional form to become proteins.

Yes, proteins have a specific three-dimensional shape that dictates their function.

Yes, some proteins are made up of a single polypeptide chain.

A polypeptide is a linear chain of amino acids.

Polypeptides are formed during the translation process in ribosomes.

A protein is a functional biological molecule with a specific function.

A protein may consist of one or more polypeptide chains.

Generally, polypeptides are non-functional and need to fold into proteins to gain functionality.

Proteins are often named based on their function, origin, or structure.

Yes, proteins can lose their shape and function when denatured.

Yes, proteins are essential components of all living cells.

Proteins perform various functions like catalysis, transport, and structural support.

Polypeptides are synthesized in ribosomes.

Peptide bonds connect amino acids in a polypeptide.

Genes contain the instructions for building proteins through the process of transcription and translation.