Final answer:
Chaperone proteins bind to improperly folded or improperly assembled proteins in the ER until proper folding occurs, helping proteins avoid becoming dysfunctional due to abnormal conditions like temperature or pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is C. binds to improperly folded or improperly assembled proteins in the ER, holding them there until proper folding occurs.
Chaperones are a type of helper molecule that assist newly synthesized proteins in folding into their functional conformation.
They prevent aggregation and ensure correct folding, helping proteins avoid becoming dysfunctional due to abnormal conditions like temperature or pH.