[Campbell Biology P.127] Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between a "polypeptide" and a "protein"?

  • A: A polypeptide is always functional, while a protein requires further modification.
  • B: A polypeptide is a polymer of many amino acids, whereas a functional protein may consist of one or more polypeptides precisely twisted, folded, and coiled into a unique shape.
  • C: A protein is a shorter chain of amino acids compared to a polypeptide.
  • D: All polypeptides are considered proteins once synthesized.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that "The term polypeptide is not synonymous with the term protein." It clarifies that a functional protein is not just a polypeptide chain, but one or more polypeptides precisely twisted, folded, and coiled into a molecule of unique shape.