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Multiple Choice
Which of the following actions or activities will NOT cause a protein’s structure to break down (denature)?
A
Heating the protein to 95°C
B
Adding a strong acid such as HCl
C
Storing the protein at 4°C (refrigeration)
D
Exposing the protein to high concentrations of urea
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of protein denaturation. Protein denaturation refers to the process where a protein loses its native structure due to the disruption of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. This process often leads to the loss of biological function.
Step 2: Analyze the effects of heating. Heating a protein to 95°C provides enough thermal energy to disrupt hydrogen bonds and other weak interactions, leading to denaturation.
Step 3: Examine the impact of adding a strong acid like HCl. Strong acids can alter the pH of the environment, disrupting ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds within the protein, which can lead to denaturation.
Step 4: Consider the effect of exposing the protein to high concentrations of urea. Urea is a chaotropic agent that disrupts hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, causing the protein to unfold and denature.
Step 5: Evaluate the effect of storing the protein at 4°C. Refrigeration at 4°C is a mild condition that does not disrupt the non-covalent interactions within the protein. Therefore, this action does NOT cause denaturation and helps preserve the protein's structure.