Question

Define the following as related to proteins:

Denaturation

Answer 1

Proteins:

• Proteins are very large molecules composed of basic units called amino acids.
• Amino acids are the structural and functional unit of proteins.
• Proteins help in the growth and development of the body.
• For example, actin, myosin, keratin, etc.

Denaturation:

• A protein has a unique 3D structure and a unique biological activity inside a biological system. In these types of circumstances, proteins are called native proteins. Whenever we put a native protein into a physical change like a change in temperature or any chemical changes like a change in pH, then there its H – bonds are disturbed or changed.
• This result in the unfolding of the globules ad uncoils the helix and the consequences of this change are that the protein results in the loss of its biological activity. This loss of biological activity by the protein is called denaturation. During this process, no changes are encountered in the primary structure whereas tertiary and secondary structures will be destroyed.