Complex Confusion

thing, person

A complex is a group personality formed from (usually) about a dozen semi-independent personalities, all within the same real body. Complexes usually form in order to become consistent and rational. One model for merging the split personalities is the protein complex (please see Webster 1913's definition of "complex"; please see also below)-- specifically, hemoglobin, as studied in Biochemistry.


complex

thing

In Biochemistry (which is to say, in biology, chemistry, molecular biology, and related fields), a complex is an aggregate of individual proteins that affect the cell differently than did the proteins when alone. These component proteins may be identical or unique.

In all definitions that I remember, a complex of proteins is never covalently bonded, but is instead held together by ionic or hydrophobic bonds.

Hemoglobin is an example of a protein complex.