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At the molecular level, Protein P is shaped like a coil - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 4
At the molecular level, Protein P is shaped like a coil. When a solution of Protein P is mixed with citric acid, solid lumps form. The change in the structure of Pro... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:At the molecular level, Protein P is shaped like a coil - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
denaturation.
Answer
Denaturation refers to the alteration of a protein's natural structure due to the application of external stress or compounds, such as heat or acids. In the case of Protein P, the addition of citric acid can disrupt the interactions that maintain its helical structure. As a result, the protein unfolds and loses its original function, leading to the formation of solid lumps. This phenomenon is characteristic of proteins undergoing denaturation.