Question:
Protein found in a biological system with a unique three-dimensional structure and biological activity is called a native protein. When a protein in its native form, is subjected to a physical change like change in temperature or a chemical change like change in pH, denaturation of protein takes place. Explain the cause.
Solution:
The amino acid residues of proteins are joined by hydrogen bonds and various other intermolecular forces. On physical or chemical change, the hydrogen bonds are
disturbed and native protein unfolds. This process is called denaturation where secondary and tertiary structures are destroyed but the primary structure remains intact.