Question

How are proteins distinguished from each other?

Answer 1

There are different combinations of amino acids which give different properties to proteins. Therefore, there are main features that should be used in distinguishing proteins from each other is the amino acid sequence of individual proteins. However, proteins can also be distinguished by their size and the biochemical properties as well.

Complete answer:
• In proteins are the main biological molecules that serve as the structural, functional as well as regulators of the molecules inside varied cells.
• Each protein is made up of a unique polypeptide chain which is folded into its secondary and tertiary structures to produce a varied three-dimensional molecule.
• While being a functional molecule, the tertiary structure of each protein interacts with other protein molecules or cofactors, forming the quaternary structure.
• When the main determinant of the structure and the function of a particular protein molecule, it is the amino acid chain coded for that protein.
• Thus, the difference between proteins stem from their amino acid sequence is studied.
• There are different combinations of amino acids present which give different properties to each protein.
• Therefore, the main feature and uses in distinguishing the proteins from each other is the amino acid sequence of proteins.
• However, proteins can also be distinguished by their actual size and the biochemical properties as well.

Note: Proteins are made up of a relatable series of amino acids. The varied sequence of the amino acid chain is determined by the sequence of nucleotides of the gene encoded for that particular protein. Therefore, if they differentiate between these two proteins, the corresponding gene sequences can also be used. The secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of proteins also differ based on their amino acid sequences.