Polypeptides
<div class="wikiDescription">Polypeptides are essential portions of
proteins in cells. These can work together to form chains. These chains
are held together through peptide bonded amino acids. Polypeptide refers to a polymer linked by
peptide bonds. Peptide bonds are formed by a condensation reaction
between amino acids. So a polypeptide has amino acids as the monomer
unit.
All proteins are polypeptides.
Protein scientists
typically distinguish between polypeptides and proteins based on
structure. Proteins are polypeptides that fold into a fixed structure.
Most polypeptides shorter than about 40 amino acids in length do not
fold. So, you will often see people use polymer length to distinguish
proteins from polypeptides.</div>
<h2 id="section---ProteinsAnIntroduction">Proteins: An Introduction</h2><p>Proteinsare extremely important to cellular function. They make up half of the
mass of the cell. Protein comes from the Greek word 'proteios', which
means 'first place.' Proteins help support structure in the cell, as
well as work to help with transport and storage of substances. They also
work to help in defense of the cell. </p><p>Structurally, proteins are very, very diverse, as well as very complex. Each type of protein holds its own specific shape. </p><h3 id="section---ProteinUses">Protein Uses</h3><p>proteins have a number of uses, including but not
limited to: cellular support, transportation and storage, defense, and
even helping to control metabolic functions. In your own life, you might
hear <b>protein</b> quite often when talking about working out. High
protein diets are fairly common now as people strive to take advantage
of the known properties and uses of proteins. </p><h2 id="section---Polypeptides">Polypeptides</h2><p>Polypeptides
help make up proteins by bonding numerous amino acids together.
Proteins are created by the bonding of two or more polypeptides. These
are then folded into a specific shape for that particular protein. </p><h3 id="section---PolypeptidesStructure">
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