Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

4. Protein Structure

Denaturation

Biochemistry

4. Protein Structure

Denaturation

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Multiple Choice

Why does a protein typically lose its function after it has been denatured?

Denaturation results in the protein being converted into a carbohydrate.

Denaturation disrupts the protein's three-dimensional structure, preventing it from binding to its specific substrates.

Denaturation causes the protein to gain additional functional groups.

Denaturation increases the protein's solubility, making it more active.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of protein denaturation: Denaturation refers to the process where a protein loses its native three-dimensional structure due to external factors such as heat, pH changes, or chemical agents. This structural change disrupts the protein's ability to function properly.

Recognize the importance of the three-dimensional structure: Proteins rely on their specific folding and shape to interact with substrates or other molecules. The active site of an enzyme, for example, is formed by the precise arrangement of amino acids in the protein's tertiary structure.

Analyze the impact of denaturation: When a protein is denatured, its tertiary and secondary structures are disrupted, but the primary structure (sequence of amino acids) remains intact. This disruption prevents the protein from binding to its specific substrates or performing its biological function.

Clarify misconceptions: Denaturation does not convert a protein into a carbohydrate, nor does it add functional groups or increase solubility to make the protein more active. These statements are incorrect and do not align with the biochemical understanding of denaturation.

Conclude with the correct explanation: Denaturation disrupts the protein's three-dimensional structure, which is essential for its function. Without this structure, the protein cannot bind to its specific substrates or carry out its biological role.