Why is an aqueous solvent so important for protein folding? Water is the primary contributor to the enthalpic effect that favors folding. It is the primary determinant in chain conformational entropy. It is entropically favorable to mask hydrophobic residues from water. The dissolved salts form many contacts with the protein to stabilize its native conformation.
Added by Paul L.
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Step 1: Water is important for protein folding because it fulfills available hydrogen bonds at various sites on the protein molecule. Show more…
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