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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Oligopeptide and Polypeptide?

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The main difference between oligopeptides and polypeptides lies in the number of amino acids they contain. Both oligopeptides and polypeptides are chains of amino acids linked together, but they differ in length:

  • Oligopeptides consist of only a few amino acids, typically between 2 and 20 amino acids per molecule.
  • Polypeptides are longer chains of amino acids, containing any length of amino acids. Polypeptides that have a molecular mass of 10,000 Da or more are classified as proteins.

In summary, the key difference between oligopeptides and polypeptides is that oligopeptides contain few amino acids, while polypeptides contain a large number of amino acid residues.

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  • What is the Difference Between Oligopeptide and Polypeptide?
  • Comparative Table: Oligopeptide vs Polypeptide

    • Comparative Table: Oligopeptide vs Polypeptide

    Here is a table comparing oligopeptides and polypeptides:

    Feature Oligopeptides Polypeptides
    Definition Oligopeptides are short chains of amino acids containing a small number of residues. Polypeptides are long chains of amino acids containing a large number of residues.
    Amino Acids Oligopeptides typically contain 2 to 20 amino acids. Polypeptides typically contain more than 20 amino acids.
    Examples Dipeptides, tripeptides, tetrapeptides, microviridin, cyanopeptolins, microcystins. Chains of 10 or more amino acids, including proteins.
    Formation Oligopeptides are formed through nonribosomal peptide synthases or NRPS, with some exceptions like cyclamides and microviridin, which are synthesized through ribosomic pathways. Polypeptides are formed through ribosomal synthesis.
    Function Oligopeptides can have various functions, such as microviridin's toxicity or cyclamides' sweetness. Polypeptides can have various functions, including structural, enzymatic, or hormonal roles.

    In summary, both oligopeptides and polypeptides are chains of amino acids, but they differ in the number of amino acid residues they contain. Oligopeptides are short chains with a small number of residues, while polypeptides are long chains with a large number of residues. They are formed through different synthesis processes and can have various functions within living organisms.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.