Question

Denaturation of proteins leads to loss of biological activity by

• A. Formation of amino acid
• B. Loss of primary structure
• C. Loss of both primary and secondary structure
• D. Loss of secondary and tertiary structure

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Loss of secondary and tertiary structure

Denaturation is a process in which proteins or nucleic acids lose the quaternary structure, tertiary structure and secondary structure which is present in their native state, by application of some external stress or compound such as a strong acid or base, a concentrated inorganic salt, an organic solvent (e.g., alcohol or chloroform), radiation or heat. If proteins in a living cell are denatured, this results in disruption of cell activity and possibly cell death. Denatured proteins can exhibit a wide range of characteristics, from conformational change and loss of solubility to aggregation due to the exposure of hydrophobic groups.