Multiple Choice
Acids and bases denature a protein primarily by disrupting which type of interaction within the protein structure?
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4. Protein Structure
Denaturation
Multiple Choice
Which factor is least likely to cause an enzyme to denature?
A
High concentrations of a chaotropic agent such as urea
B
High temperature well above the enzyme’s optimum
C
A significant decrease in pH (highly acidic conditions)
D
A competitive inhibitor that binds reversibly to the active site
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that enzyme denaturation involves the loss of the enzyme's three-dimensional structure, which usually results in loss of function.
Recognize that factors like high temperature, extreme pH changes, and chaotropic agents disrupt the enzyme's structure by breaking non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions.
Recall that a competitive inhibitor binds reversibly to the active site without altering the enzyme's overall structure; it temporarily blocks substrate binding but does not cause denaturation.
Compare the effects of each factor: chaotropic agents, high temperature, and pH changes cause structural damage, while competitive inhibitors only affect enzyme activity without structural damage.
Conclude that the factor least likely to cause enzyme denaturation is the competitive inhibitor, as it does not disrupt the enzyme's folded structure.
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