Final answer:
Low free energy can cause proteins to misfold and aggregate, preventing them from adopting their proper functional structure. This is not the same as denaturation, which is usually caused by extreme conditions. Chaperones assist with proper folding to prevent misfolding and aggregation of proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
When free energy is too low, proteins tend to aggregate and misfold, which leads to a loss of functional structure. This is different from denaturation, which can occur due to extreme conditions like high temperature or changes in pH and typically affects the secondary structure and tertiary structure of proteins without altering the primary structure. Proteins require a certain amount of energy to maintain their functional, folded state, and without it, they may not fold correctly. Specialized molecules called chaperones play a crucial role in assisting with proper protein folding and preventing misfolding and aggregation.