Peptide and Protein, 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.
Peptide vs Protein
The difference between peptide and protein is that peptide is considered as a sequence of amino acids, which is regarded as a smaller one with a simpler structure. Protein is a polypeptide that means many peptides join together to form a protein. It is a complex structure and contains primary to the quaternary structure.
Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!
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 genetic code’s sequence.
- mRNA carries the given code for a peptide.
- The mRNA gives 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, 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, 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 supplements 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 protein daily if they are taking a 2000 calorie diet. These proteins are a source of calories also.
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 also.
- 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
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
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.
