What is the difference between Polypeptide and Protein?

A polypeptide is a polymer containing the same or different amino acids in a definite order or sequence, which are then joined together by peptide bonds. A peptide bond is the amide bond that is formed between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another amino acid. Proteins, on the other hand, are complex molecules that are produced naturally and composed of one or more long chains of amino acids that are bonded by peptides bonds. If you carefully follow the explanation given to a polypeptide, we can as well say proteins are formed by the folding of one or more polypeptides.

While a polypeptide is a simple structure that consists of the repeating of the atoms of amino acids joined together in a definite sequence, a protein is a complex structure since it consists of one or more polypeptides. Polypeptides are the primary structures of proteins, whereas the structures of proteins can be grouped as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

When two amino acids merge together to form a dipeptide, the sequence takes place in a specific group of one amino acid with the-COOH group of another amino acid. A water molecule is eliminated, and the formed bond is identified as a peptide bond. The chain develops when a large quantity of amino acids are merged together is known as a polypeptide. Proteins involve one or more of these polypeptide chains.

The principal structure of a protein is known as a polypeptide. Proteins are one of the most significant types of macromolecules in living organisms, and proteins can be placed into many different groups depending upon their structure. Muscles have protein fibers like collagen and elastin. They are also found in strong and rigid structural parts such as nails, hair hooves, and feathers. Other proteins are found in connective tissues like cartilages.