The three-dimensional structure and the function of most proteins can be destroyed by denaturation, demonstrating a relationship between structure and function. What can be used to denature proteins?
Added by Andrew M.
Close
Step 1
Denaturation is the process by which proteins lose their native three-dimensional structure, which often leads to a loss of function. This process can be caused by various physical or chemical agents that disrupt the weak bonds and interactions responsible for Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Adi S and 64 other Biology educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
Heat, mechanical agitation, acids, bases, and salts can denature proteins.
Adi S.
Denaturation and Hydrolysis Simply put, denaturation means unfolding. Previous pages have discussed the factors that stabilize the shape of a protein, with all its helices, loops, and folds. If those stabilizing factors are disrupted, the protein falls out of shape. Even though its amino acids (primary structure) remain linked, without its correct secondary and tertiary structure the denatured protein can no longer function. For example, the body's enzymes lose their ability to catalyze the needed chemical reactions, if our body temperature changes too drastically. (Denatured proteins sometimes taste better though! People who eat eggs often prefer them cooked – denatured by heat. In ceviche, the seafood proteins are "cooked" by denaturing them with lime juice, which is acidic.) List the six causes of protein denaturation:
Riaz A.
exposing a protein to heat or acid may: disrupt its shape AND function disrupt its shape, but NOT its function disrupt the function of the protein, but leave its shape alone change its primary structure cause the protein to take on a different or new function
Recommended Textbooks
Biology for AP Courses
Objective Biology for NEET
Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
Transcript
18,000,000+
Students on Numerade
Trusted by students at 8,000+ universities
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD