14.12 Denaturation

why do nurses use alcohol before giving injections

it penetrates bacteria and denatures the surface proteins

is denaturation reversible?

sometimes, not always

list 5 denaturing agents

1. heat 2. pH 3. Reducing agents 4. Heavy metals 5. alcohol

what is denaturation

The loss of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of a protein by a chemical or physical agent that leaves the primary structure intact.

how do heavy metals denature proteins

attack sulfate(SH) groups by forming salt bridges

how do reducing agents denature proteins

break disulfide bonds

how does pH denature proteins

breaks hydrogen bonds and unfolds globular proteins

how does alcohol denature proteins

coagulates proteins

how does heat denature proteins

destroys hydrogen bonds and helix/pleated structures