Protein folding and lipid-bilayer formation result in decreased entropy for a protein molecule and bilayer components.The decrease in entropy is balanced by a large increase in the entropy of the surrounding ________.
A)salt solutions
B)temperature
C)pressure
D)water molecules

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water molecules. According to the second law of thermodynamics, the overall entropy of the universe must increase in any spontaneous process. Therefore, the decrease in entropy during protein folding and lipid-bilayer formation must be balanced by an increase in entropy elsewhere. Water molecules surrounding the protein or bilayer can respond to the newly formed structure in many ways and contribute to an increase in entropy. For example, water molecules can become more ordered around the hydrophobic parts of a protein or bilayer, but they might also become more disordered in other areas. The overall effect is to increase the entropy of the water molecules, which makes this the best choice.

Protein Folding and Lipid-Bilayer Formation Result in Decreased Entropy for a Protein