Denaturation

Question 1

what protein structures can denaturation affect?

Answer 1

secondary, tertiary, quaternary structures

Question 2

what is the only structure of the protein that denaturation doesn’t affect?

Answer 2

primary structure

Question 3

What happens to a protein when temperature rises?

Answer 3

Kinetic energy of molecules rises, disrupting non-covalent interactions that maintain the protein’s structure

Question 4

What happens to a protein when pH changes?

Answer 4

can alter the charge states of amino side chains, usually the acidic or base group
- can disrupt ionic and hydrogen bonds critical for maintaining protein’s structure

Question 5

What happens to a protein when there are chemical agents?

Answer 5

certain chemicals like urea and guanidine hydrochloride can disrupt hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, leading to protein denaturation

Question 6

What is reversible denaturation?

Answer 6

protein can refold into its native structure upon removal of the denaturing agent, allowing it to regain its functionality

Question 7

What is an irreversible denaturation?

Answer 7

permanent loss of protein structure and function due to covalent modifications/aggregation of denatured proteins