What is the Difference Between Gene and Protein?

The main difference between a gene and a protein lies in their function and structure within a living organism. Here are the key differences:

• Gene: A gene is a stretch of DNA on a chromosome that contains the instructions for making a product, such as a protein. Each chromosome has many genes, and humans have over 22,000 genes in total. Genes are composed of specific segments of nucleotide bases and are linearly arranged on chromosomes. They provide the blueprint for creating proteins, which are responsible for various functions within the cell.
• Protein: A protein is the product that a gene makes. It is a molecular machine composed of amino acids, which performs a specific job within the cell. Proteins are responsible for orchestrating nearly every function of the cell, including growth, sending messages, catalyzing chemical reactions, and providing structure. They are made of amino acid chains, and their structure determines their function.

In summary, genes are the instructions for creating proteins, while proteins are the functional molecules responsible for various cellular tasks. The process of converting genetic information into proteins involves two major steps: transcription and translation, which together are known as gene expression.

Comparative Table: Gene vs Protein

Here is a table highlighting the differences between genes and proteins:

In summary, genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for making proteins, while proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform various biological functions. The genetic code connects the nucleotide sequence of an mRNA to the amino acid sequence of a protein, and mutations in genes or proteins can lead to changes in their respective structures and functions.