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Multiple Choice
Which of the following conditions might cause a protein to denature?
A
High temperature
B
Low pH
C
Presence of a strong acid
D
High salt concentration
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of protein denaturation: Denaturation is the process where proteins lose their native structure due to the disruption of non-covalent interactions and disulfide bonds, leading to loss of function.
Consider the effect of high temperature: High temperatures can increase the kinetic energy of molecules, causing the weak interactions (like hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces) that maintain protein structure to break, leading to denaturation.
Analyze the impact of low pH: Low pH can lead to protonation of amino acid side chains, disrupting ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds, which are crucial for maintaining the protein's structure.
Evaluate the presence of a strong acid: Strong acids can cause denaturation by altering the pH and directly interacting with the protein, disrupting its structure.
Assess the role of high salt concentration: High salt concentrations can interfere with ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds by competing for interactions with charged and polar groups on the protein, potentially leading to denaturation.