Aspect | Fibrous Proteins | Globular Proteins |
Structure | Long and narrow, usually fiber-like or sheet-like | Compact, roughly spherical or globular |
Amino acid composition | Predominantly composed of repetitive amino acid sequences | Varied amino acid sequences, often with a mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues |
Solubility | Insoluble or poorly soluble in water | Generally soluble in water |
Function | Structural roles, often providing strength and support to tissues | Diverse functions, including enzymes, antibodies, transport proteins, etc. |
Shape | Long and extended | Compact and rounded |
Structure | Secondary structure | Tertiary structure |
Nature | Non- Crystalline | Crystalline |
Flexibility | Relatively inflexible | Generally more flexible |
Water content | Low water content | High water content |
Functions | · Provides tensile strength to tissues (collagen) · Forms protective layers (keratin) | · Catalyzes biochemical reactions (enzymes) · Transports oxygen (hemoglobin) · Recognizes and binds to foreign substances (antibodies) |
Presence | Found in connective tissues, hair, skin and nails | Found throughout the body, including blood, enzymes in cells, and immune system proteins |
Examples | · Collagen · Keratin · Elastin · Fibrin | · Hemoglobin · Insulin · Antibodies · Enzymes |
Comparison between Fibrous and Globular proteins
Let me share with you a comparison between Fibrous and Globular proteins.