Multiple Choice
How will brief heating to 95\(^{\circ}\)C affect macromolecular structures, such as proteins and nucleic acids, in an aqueous solution?
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4. Protein Structure
Denaturation
Multiple Choice
Acids and bases denature a protein primarily by disrupting which type of interaction within the protein structure?
A
Covalent peptide bonds linking amino acids in the backbone
B
Disulfide bonds between cysteine residues
C
Ionic interactions (salt bridges) between charged side chains
D
Hydrophobic interactions by dissolving nonpolar side chains into water
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the different types of interactions that stabilize protein structure: covalent peptide bonds, disulfide bonds, ionic interactions (salt bridges), and hydrophobic interactions.
Recall that covalent peptide bonds form the primary structure of proteins and are generally stable under acidic or basic conditions, so acids and bases do not typically break these bonds.
Recognize that disulfide bonds are covalent bonds between cysteine residues and are more resistant to changes in pH; they require reducing agents to be broken.
Focus on ionic interactions (salt bridges), which occur between oppositely charged side chains of amino acids; these interactions are sensitive to changes in pH because acids and bases alter the protonation states of side chains, disrupting these electrostatic attractions.
Conclude that acids and bases primarily denature proteins by disrupting ionic interactions (salt bridges) between charged side chains, leading to loss of protein structure and function.
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