To study how proteins fold, scientists must be able to purify the protein of interest, use solvents to denature the folded protein, and observe the process of refolding at successive time points.What is the effect of the solvents used in the denaturation process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The solvents used in the denaturation process primarily break all noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions, which are responsible for the protein's tertiary and quaternary structures. This allows the protein to unfold into a linear chain of amino acids.

To Study How Proteins Fold, Scientists Must Be Able to Purify