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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is least likely to result in protein denaturation?
A
Changing pH
B
Changing the [salt].
C
Disruption of weak interactions by boiling the protein solution.
D
Exposure to chaotropic agents & detergents (such as urea & SDS).
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of protein denaturation: Protein denaturation involves the unfolding and loss of the protein's native structure, which is often caused by the disruption of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
Consider the effect of changing pH: Altering the pH can lead to the protonation or deprotonation of amino acid side chains, disrupting ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds, which can result in denaturation.
Evaluate the impact of changing salt concentration: Moderate changes in salt concentration can stabilize proteins by shielding charges on the protein surface, but extreme changes can lead to denaturation by disrupting ionic interactions.
Analyze the effect of boiling: High temperatures increase kinetic energy, leading to the disruption of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, causing denaturation.
Assess the role of chaotropic agents and detergents: These substances disrupt the hydrophobic core of proteins and interfere with hydrogen bonding, leading to denaturation.