Amino Acid vs Protein – Difference and Comparison

What is Amino Acid?

The building blocks of life are referred to as amino acids. Proteins carry out the functions in the body, such as helping the body to grow, develop, and function properly. Some amino acids are needed to make other amino acids and proteins.

Amino acid is extremely essential for life. Amino acids are just protein structure and composition units linked together in peptides and proteins. Through this link, amino acids function in cells as part of the mechanism for carrying out the functions of the proteins. Most amino acids are obtained through the diet, though some are synthesized endogenously.

What is protein?

Protein is a nutrient essential for the growth and repair of body tissues. There are many different types of protein, each with a specific function in the body. Some of the most important protein-based functions are protein synthesis, cell division, immune response and transport of molecules within the body. Most of the protein ingested by the body is broken down into constituent amino acids and used for these functions.

Protein is one of the four fundamental nutrients, along with carbohydrates, fats and water. It is the building block of life and the only nutrient the body requires in substantial amounts for growth, maintenance, and repair. This means that protein is critical to the human body’s survival and its systems. It is the main material used for building new cells and tissues, carrying out all bodily processes, and providing structure for organs, blood, skin, hair, and other tissues.

Protein is an essential macronutrient needed for the body’s growth and repair. The body is composed of molecules known as proteins, proteins need amino acids to form. The body needs 20 different amino acids can use to build proteins

Difference Between Amino Acid and Protein

  1. Amino acids are known/considered as building blocks of protein while Proteins are molecules
  2. Amino acids are considered to be the building blocks of proteins. They can be found in foods such as meat, dairy, grains and legumes. On the other hand, Protein is a general term for the chemical compounds found in foods that are used by the body to carry out processes such as protein synthesis, repair and maintenance.
  3. In amino acid not everything can be blended in the body whereas in Proteins everything can be blended.
  4. Proteins are macromolecules, accordingly, have higher atomic mass in contrast with amino acids that have somewhat more modest sub-atomic mass.
  5. The body does not mandatorily need amino acids. On the other hand, Proteins are mandatorily needed by the body.

Comparison Between Amino Acids and Proteins

Parameters of ComparisonAmino AcidProtein
AboutAmino acids are referred to as the building blocks of protein.Proteins are molecules that are a major component in every human cell
Present inThey can be found in foods such as meat, dairy, grains and legumes. They can be found in foods that are used by the body to carry out processes such as protein synthesis, repair and maintenance.
Blend in bodyNot everything can be blended.Everything can be blended
Atomic massSmallerHigher
ImportanceThe body does not mandatorily need amino acids.The body mandatorily needs proteins.

References

  1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/586529
  2. https://europepmc.org/article/med/3316914