Denaturation

Question 1

What is denaturation caused by? (3)

Answer 1

1. High temperatures
2. pH values outside the enzyme’s optimum pH
3. Some chemicals or radiation

Question 2

Define a denatured enzyme

Answer 2

A denatured enzyme has lost its shape and can no longer carry out its function

Question 3

Explain what happens when most proteins are heated above 40 degrees C (or subjected to unsuitable pH values or treated with certain chemicals or radiation).

Answer 3

They gradually lose thair 3-D shape

Question 4

Explain what happens when an enzyme is denatured

Answer 4

This means that the active site will lose its ability to react with its substrate.

Question 5

What is denaturation?

Answer 5

A change in an enzyme’s shape and loss of biological activity is called denaturation.

Question 6

What type of process is denaturation normally?

Answer 6

It is normally a permanent, or irreversible, process