Denature

Definition

Denature refers to the structural alteration of a protein, causing it to lose its functional shape. This process is often irreversible and impacts the protein’s biological activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Denaturation can be caused by changes in temperature, pH, or exposure to chemicals.
2. When an enzyme denatures, it loses its active site specificity and cannot catalyze reactions effectively.
3. Denatured proteins often precipitate out of solution due to loss of solubility.
4. The primary structure (amino acid sequence) of a protein remains unchanged during denaturation.
5. Reversible denaturation can sometimes occur if the denaturing agent is removed under mild conditions.

Review Questions

• What are common causes of protein denaturation?
• How does denaturation affect an enzyme's functionality?
• Is the primary structure of a protein altered during the process of denaturation?

Related terms

Enzyme: A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in cells without being consumed.

Active Site: The specific region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Protein Folding: The process by which a protein assumes its functional three-dimensional structure from its amino acid sequence.