Chaotropic agents denature by disrupting stabilizing hydrophobic interactions,while detergents denature by penetrating and disrupting hydrophilic interactions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chaotropic agents and detergents both disrupt the three-dimensional structure of proteins, but they do so through different mechanisms. Chaotropic agents disrupt hydrophobic interactions, which are important for protein stability, while detergents disrupt hydrophilic interactions, such as those between the protein and surrounding water molecules.

Chaotropic Agents Denature by Disrupting Stabilizing Hydrophobic Interactions,while Detergents Denature