University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

280

Pages:

6
Author:

Sheha A.

Denaturation of Proteins The process of disorganization of native protein structures is called denaturation. Denaturation involves the loss of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures without breaking the peptide bonds. **Denaturation of Proteins** * **The process of disorganization of native protein structures is called denaturation.** **Agents causing denaturation:** 1. **Physical agents:** Pressure, heat, X-rays, UV radiation, ultrasound 2. **Chemical agents:** Acids, alkalis, organic solvents (alcohol, etc.), high concentration of salts, heavy metals **Effect of pH:** * Isoelectric pH (pI): The pH at which the protein exists as a zwitterion (having equal numbers of positive and negative charges). * At pI, the protein is least soluble. * Changes in pH can alter the protein's charge, affecting its structure and function. **Importance of Protein Structure:** * Protein structure is crucial for biological activity. * Any alteration in the structure can lead to loss of function. **Denaturation of Proteins** * **The process of disorganization of native protein structures is called denaturation.** **Agents causing denaturation:** 1. **Physical agents:** Pressure, heat, X-rays, UV radiation, ultrasound 2. **Chemical agents:** Acids, alkalis, organic solvents (alcohol, etc.), high concentration of salts, heavy metals **Isoelectric pH of Protein (pI)** The pH at which the protein exists as a zwitterion (having equal numbers of positive and negative charges). At pI, net charge on the protein is zero, so it will not move in an electric field. **Importance of Protein's Secondary Structure** The structure of proteins plays a crucial role in their biological activity. **Denaturation of Protein** * The process of disorganization of native protein structures is called denaturation. * Denaturation involves the loss of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures without breaking the peptide bonds. **Agents causing denaturation:** 1. **Physical agents:** Pressure, heat, X-rays, UV radiation, ultrasound 2. **Chemical agents:** Acids, alkalis, organic solvents (alcohol, etc.), high concentration of salts, heavy metals