Question

Denaturation of proteins can occur by the activity of

• A. water at room temperature
• B. high temperature
• C. salts of heavy metals
• D. both (b) and (c)

Answer 1

The correct option is D both (b) and (c)

Denaturation of a protein refers to the degradation of its secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. It occurs by disruption of hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, etc. It causes changes in physical as well as biological properties of the protein. Denaturation of proteins can be achieved by various methods. Some of them are listed below:

i. High temperatures and heat can destroy the H-bonds and electrostatic interactions
ii. Detergents can disrupt hydrophobic interactions
iii. Heavy metals can disrupt the disulphide bonds
iv. pH-induced denaturation can occur due to ionisation and conformational changes occurring within the protein molecule.