Peptide and Protein are two almost similar terms but differ a lot in structure. Although they both are made up of chains of amino acids, there’s still a huge difference in their sizes.
Key Takeaways
- Peptides comprise a few amino acids, whereas proteins comprise many amino acids.
- Peptides play a vital role in various biological processes, such as cell signalling and immune system response, whereas proteins are involved in structural, metabolic, and enzymatic functions.
- Peptides can be easily synthesized in the laboratory while synthesizing proteins is more complex.
Peptide vs Protein
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids connected by peptide bonds. It is used to boost weight loss, aiding muscle recovery and building. Protein is a long chain of amino acids that serves to be one of the three primary macronutrients essential for the body. It is essential in muscle building and weight management.
It is used to connect the chain of amino acids through a bond called a peptide bond. The major function is to regulate the activities of another molecule, especially protein.
Proteins are divided into primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures and consist of a single chain of polypeptides. The main process carried by protein is the formation of important structures in the body, such as muscle, cartilage, hair, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Peptide | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Simple | Complex |
| Type of chain | Shorter chain consisting of amino acids | Larger chain of amino acids |
| Absorption | Easier for the body in the absorption process because it is smaller in size | Being a complex structure it is not that easy to be absorbed |
| Amino acid type | Comprises both essential as well as naturally occurring amino acids | Contains twenty amino acids which are called essential amino acids |
| Type of Structure | Somewhat like a straight chain of amino acids, the primary structure | It consists of the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure |
What is Peptide?
The peptide is a type of molecule which is naturally occurring. It is found in all organisms and carries out a lot of functions.
Formation of peptide
- By transcription of the genetic code’s sequence.
- mRNA carries the given code for a peptide.
- The mRNA gives a reading, which is joined together to form a single molecule joined by a peptide bond.
Types of peptide
Amino acids are like letters. As letters join together to form words, in the same way, amino acids can be joined together to form a variety of molecules.
According to Numbers, it is divided into mono, di, tri, and tetra to oxytocin containing nonapeptide, that is, 9 and decapeptide with 10 amino acids, which are angiotensin.
It is divided into plant peptide, antibiotic peptide, fungal peptide, and vaccine peptide according to function and source.
Uses of peptides include
- Repairing muscles.
- Some studies suggest that peptides are also helpful in losing weight.
- Acting as antioxidants.
The skin is made firm and bright. It can be applied to skin both in the morning and night and before applying it to the face, a facial peel should be done.
What is Protein?
Protein is one of those three primary macromolecules needed by our diet. Nowadays, there are various medicine supplement bars to provide extra protein.
It is also known as the backbone of our body because it is the pillar of our body and can be found in every cell of the body. They are made up of long chains of amino acids attached in a simple to complex structure.
Sources – Some of the sources of protein are seafood, whole grains, eggs, beans, and peas which come in legumes. There are also soy products and various nuts and seeds.
According to the Food Development Authority, an adult should take 50gm of protein daily if they are taking a 2000-calorie diet. These proteins are a source of calories.
Functions of protein
- Gives a better vision
- Healthy muscles and bones
- Growth and development
Main Differences Between Peptide and Protein
- Peptide bonds occur in amino acids, but in the polypeptide chain, whereas peptides are more than 50, there are hydrogen as well as disulfide bonds.
- Peptides comprise both the essential as well as the naturally occurring amino acids, whereas protein contains only the 20 essential amino acids.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0196978110004389
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/cr9900026
Last Updated : 26 August, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The information on the uses of peptides and proteins is particularly interesting. The article is very well-researched and informative.
I disagree with this article. There is simplicity in the complexity of proteins that this so-called ‘clear understanding’ of peptides lacks. This judgment is misleading.
Wrobertson, I understand your point. The article is simple and clear, but the complexity of proteins is not being downplayed. It’s only an explanation of the comparison between the two. Your opinion is valid.
This article provides a clear understanding of how peptides and proteins differ. It’s useful to know that peptides are simpler and proteins are more complex. The information about their structures is very enlightening.
I was expecting more scientific detail. The article seems oversimplified.
There is a wealth of scientific detail in the article, you might need to review the content more closely. It provides a thorough understanding of the topic.
The article is informative and provides a comprehensive look at the differences between peptides and proteins. The distinction is essential, and the uses of both peptides and proteins are very well explained here.
This article is a valuable resource. The references cited add to the credibility of the content, making it a reliable source of information on peptides and proteins.
This article is essential for anyone wanting to understand the intricate differences between peptides and proteins, especially with regard to their structures and functions. Well done!
The article is very insightful. I especially appreciated the clear distinction between peptides and proteins, and the comparison table provided a quick reference.