Question

A scientist makes is studying Albumin, a protein in the blood which helps maintain stable blood volume and normally appears as a yellow liquid in a solution. He tests the impact of different acidity levels on this protein solution, and finds that at very low pH the solution becomes a solid yellow goop, and the proteins are no longer functional. Which of the following explanations is most likely true?

a) The protein denatures.

b) The protein precipitates.

c) The protein hydrolyzes.

d) The protein polymerizes.

Answer 1

At very low pH levels, the albumin protein solution becomes a solid yellow goop and the proteins are no longer functional. This is most likely because the protein denatures, meaning it loses its structure and shape due to the changes in pH.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the scientist tests the impact of different acidity levels on the albumin protein solution, he finds that at very low pH the solution becomes a solid yellow goop, and the proteins are no longer functional. This is most likely because the protein denatures, meaning the protein loses its structure and shape due to the changes in pH. Denaturation can result in the loss of protein function.