Difference between simple and complex proteins?

Simple proteins are composed of only amino acids, while complex proteins are made up of amino acids as well as other components such as carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Simple proteins have a simple structure and are soluble in water, while complex proteins have a more intricate structure and may not be soluble in water. Simple proteins are typically found in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products, while complex proteins are found in foods like grains, legumes, and vegetables.

Simple Proteins

- Consist of only amino acids
- Water-soluble
- Includes:
- Albumins (e.g., in egg white)
- Globulins (e.g., in blood)
- Histones (e.g., in chromatin)

Complex Proteins

- Consist of amino acids in combination with other non-amino acid components
- Water-insoluble
- Includes:
- Conjugated Proteins:
- Lipoproteins (protein + lipid)
- Glycoproteins (protein + carbohydrate)
- Hemoproteins (protein + heme)
- Derived Proteins:
- Peptides (short chains of amino acids)
- Peptones (partially digested proteins)
- Proteases (enzymes that break down proteins)

Key Differences

- Composition: Simple proteins only contain amino acids, while complex proteins contain additional non-amino acid components.
- Solubility: Simple proteins are water-soluble, while complex proteins are water-insoluble.
- Function: Simple proteins primarily have structural or enzymatic roles, while complex proteins typically have more specialized functions (e.g., transport, immunity).
- Examples:
- Simple protein: Hemoglobin (a protein that binds oxygen)
- Complex protein: Immunoglobulin (an antibody that protects against infection)