📚 Learning Guide
Protein Denaturation
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Which of the following factors can lead to protein denaturation? Select all that apply.

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
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Choose the Best Answer

A

Extreme pH levels

B

High temperatures

C

Presence of salts

D

Ionic strength

E

Low molecular weight solvents

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Protein denaturation happens when a protein’s shape is disrupted, and several things can cause that. High temperatures give the molecules enough energy to break the weak bonds that keep the shape together. Very acidic or alkaline conditions change the charge of the protein, pulling it apart. Strong detergents or organic solvents can strip away the water that supports the structure. Even strong acids, bases, or high salt concentrations can cause the protein to unfold.

Detailed Explanation

pH (a measure of acidity or basicity) changes the charges on the protein and breaks the bonds that keep it folded. Other options are incorrect because Many salts (tiny crystals that dissolve in water) actually help proteins stay folded by shielding charges; Low molecular weight solvents (small molecules that dissolve in water) can sometimes keep proteins in solution, not break them.

Key Concepts

Protein Denaturation
Factors Affecting Protein Structure
Protein Measurement Techniques
Topic

Protein Denaturation

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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