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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?

Its three-dimensional structure is disrupted, leading to loss of biological activity.

It becomes more efficient at catalyzing reactions.

Its primary amino acid sequence is broken down into individual amino acids.

It gains additional active sites for substrate binding.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of enzyme denaturation: Denaturation refers to the process where an enzyme loses its three-dimensional structure due to external factors such as heat, pH changes, or chemical agents. This structural disruption leads to a loss of biological activity because the enzyme's active site is no longer functional.

Clarify the role of the enzyme's three-dimensional structure: Enzymes rely on their specific three-dimensional shape to bind substrates at their active site and catalyze reactions. When this structure is disrupted, the enzyme can no longer perform its function effectively.

Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze the provided choices. Denaturation does not make the enzyme more efficient, does not break down the primary amino acid sequence into individual amino acids, and does not create additional active sites. These are incorrect interpretations of denaturation.

Focus on the correct answer: The correct explanation is that denaturation disrupts the enzyme's three-dimensional structure, leading to a loss of biological activity. This is because the active site is altered and can no longer bind substrates properly.

Summarize the key takeaway: Enzyme denaturation is a structural change that results in the loss of function, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the enzyme's native conformation for its biological activity.