Denaturing of a protein and hydrolysis of its primary structure Flashcards
Define ‘Denaturation’ in relation to proteins
Denaturation of a protein, is the unfolding of a protein molecule. Changing the shape of the molecule
A protein has levels or structure, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary. When a protein is denatured, which level (s) are affected?
Tertiary structure is often destroyed and sometimes the secondary structure can be affected too.
What is an enzyme?
A biological catalyst
When an enzyme is denatured. What ‘part’ of the enzyme is altered, meaning it can no longer work as an enzyme?
The active site
What types of bonding are broken during denaturation that causes the protein making the enzyme to unfold?
Hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding and dispersion forces.
What factors can cause the protein to be denatured?
extreme pH (high and low), increased temp
What are the smallest building blocks of a protein?
amino acids
What type of reaction occurs when two amino acids join/bond together?
Condensation reaction
In a condenstation reaction between two amino acids, a dipeptide is produced and what other molecule?
Water
What is the link between two amino acids that are chemical joined together called?
A peptide link
What is hydrolysis of a protein?
The breakdown of the primary structure of a protein. Breaking the peptide links/bonds
What conditions are required for the hydrolysis of protein?
Water and an enzyme
What are the possible products that can be produced by the hydrolysis of protein?
smaller peptides, dipeptides, free amino acids
