What is the Difference Between Simple Protein and Conjugated Protein?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between simple proteins and conjugated proteins lies in their chemical composition and structure.

Simple proteins are made up of amino acid subunits joined together by peptide bonds. When hydrolyzed by enzymes, simple proteins yield only the amino acids from which they are composed. Examples of simple proteins include albumins, globulins, glutelins, and albuminoids.

Conjugated proteins are complex proteins composed of simple proteins and a non-protein substance referred to as a prosthetic group or cofactor. Most prosthetic groups or cofactors are small organic molecules formed from vitamins. When hydrolyzed by enzymes, conjugated proteins yield the amino acids from which they are composed and some other chemical components. Examples of conjugated proteins include nucleoproteins, glycoproteins, phosphoproteins, and hemoglobins.

In summary:

  • Simple proteins are composed only of amino acids.
  • Conjugated proteins are complex molecules containing simple proteins and non-protein components, such as prosthetic groups or cofactors.

Comparative Table: Simple Protein vs Conjugated Protein

The main difference between simple proteins and conjugated proteins lies in their composition. Simple proteins are made solely of amino acids, while conjugated proteins are complex molecules containing simple proteins and non-protein components, such as prosthetic groups or cofactors. Here is a table summarizing the differences between simple and conjugated proteins:

Feature Simple Proteins Conjugated Proteins
Composition Made only of amino acids. Made of simple proteins and non-protein components (prosthetic groups or cofactors).
Examples Albumin, glutelins, albuminoids, histone proteins, and protamines. Lipoproteins, glycoproteins, phosphoproteins, and hemoproteins.
Hydrolysis Upon hydrolysis, they yield only amino acids. Upon hydrolysis, they yield amino acids and non-protein components.

Simple proteins are usually found in structures like hair, muscles, and tendons, as well as in enzymes, such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase. Conjugated proteins, on the other hand, have various functions, including storage and transport of nutrients, and are involved in biological processes like oxygen transport and immune response.