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Multiple Choice
Which of the following can happen to a protein if it is denatured?
A
Increase in its catalytic activity
B
Loss of its three-dimensional structure
C
Formation of new peptide bonds
D
Conversion into a nucleic acid
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of protein denaturation: Denaturation refers to the process where a protein loses its native three-dimensional structure due to external stressors like heat, pH changes, or chemical agents. This loss of structure typically disrupts the protein's function.
Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each option in the context of denaturation. For example, denaturation does not lead to an increase in catalytic activity; instead, it often results in the loss of enzymatic function due to structural changes.
Focus on the structural impact: Denaturation primarily affects the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of a protein, while the primary structure (sequence of amino acids) remains intact. This means no new peptide bonds are formed during denaturation.
Clarify the impossibility of conversion into a nucleic acid: Proteins and nucleic acids are distinct macromolecules with different building blocks (amino acids vs. nucleotides). Denaturation does not involve a chemical transformation of a protein into a nucleic acid.
Conclude with the correct answer: The most accurate description of what happens during denaturation is the loss of the protein's three-dimensional structure, which is essential for its function.