Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Molecular Biophysics

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Molecular Biophysics 1. Protein vs. Peptide Proteins and peptides are both made up of amino acids, but they differ in size. Proteins are larger and have complex structures, while peptides are smaller. The distinction is important when discussing their functions and properties. 2. Conformation vs. Configuration Conformation refers to the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule, which can change without breaking any bonds. On the other hand, configuration is the fixed arrangement of atoms, determined by the presence of double bonds or chiral centers. Understanding these terms is crucial for studying molecular structures. 3. Homology vs. Analogy When comparing biological sequences or structures, homology refers to a shared ancestry, indicating a common evolutionary origin. Analogy, on the other hand, refers to similarities in function or structure without a shared ancestry. Distinguishing between these terms is essential for understanding evolutionary relationships. 4. Affinity vs. Avidity Affinity refers to the strength of a single interaction between two molecules, such as a ligand and a receptor. Avidity, on the other hand, takes into account multiple interactions between molecules. This difference is significant when studying binding interactions. 5. Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic