Question

What causes denaturation? (i.e., how do the extreme conditions cause unfolding?)

A) Disruption of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions
B) Strengthening of peptide bonds and van der Waals forces
C) Formation of disulfide bridges
D) Increase in covalent bonding

Answer 1

Denaturation is caused by the disruption of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, which leads to proteins unfolding and losing functionality. This can be triggered by heat, pH changes, or exposure to certain chemicals or metal ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Denaturation is a process that affects the structure of proteins, causing them to lose their functional conformation. Among the options provided, A) Disruption of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions is what causes denaturation, leading to the protein's unfolding. Factors such as heat can break hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions that maintain the protein's secondary and tertiary structures. Acids and bases disrupt these bonds and salt bridges, while other agents such as organic compounds and heavy metal ions can also cause denaturation. These extreme conditions lead to the protein unfolding and no longer being capable of performing its function.