Denaturation Flashcards
1
Q
What is denaturation caused by? (3)
A
- High temperatures
- pH values outside the enzyme’s optimum pH
- Some chemicals or radiation
2
Q
Define a denatured enzyme
A
A denatured enzyme has lost its shape and can no longer carry out its function
3
Q
Explain what happens when most proteins are heated above 40 degrees C (or subjected to unsuitable pH values or treated with certain chemicals or radiation).
A
They gradually lose thair 3-D shape
4
Q
Explain what happens when an enzyme is denatured
A
This means that the active site will lose its ability to react with its substrate.
5
Q
What is denaturation?
A
A change in an enzyme’s shape and loss of biological activity is called denaturation.
6
Q
What type of process is denaturation normally?
A
It is normally a permanent, or irreversible, process
