Proteins can be unfolded, or denatured, by agents that alter the balance of weak noncovalent forces that maintain the native conformation. How would the following agents cause a protein to denature? Be specific about the type of intermolecular forces that would be affected.

a) heat

b) pH

c) amphiphilic detergents

d) reducing agents such as 2-mercaptoethanol (HSCH2CH2OH)

Question

Jerimiah Ford

Biology

25 May, 06:22

Proteins can be unfolded, or denatured, by agents that alter the balance of weak noncovalent forces that maintain the native conformation. How would the following agents cause a protein to denature? Be specific about the type of intermolecular forces that would be affected.

a) heat

b) pH

c) amphiphilic detergents

d) reducing agents such as 2-mercaptoethanol (HSCH2CH2OH)

+5

Answers (1)

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Adrianna Valenzuela · Answer 1

We all know that heat is energy, and if too much energy is applied to anything, it is denatured. pH is a denaturing agent since it changes the protein, essentially by using Hydrogen (part of the bonds) as a counteract. Amphiphilic detergents are not beneficial for proteins because they're responsible for breaking covalent bonds. Mercaptoethanol, as the name says, has ethanol, which reduces proteins into nonexistence.