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What is Denaturation & Renaturation?

A protein molecule can lose its specific three dimensional shape either temporarily or permanently this is referred to as Denaturation. This change in shape prevents the molecule from carrying out its normal function. These however can be caused by different agents namely:
  1. Heat/Radiation
  2. Heavy metals.
  3. Detergents/organic solvents
  4. Strong Acids.
  5. Alkalis.
Although proteins denature some will again refold to their original structure, this is known as renaturation .

2 comments:

  1. MarianaJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    I am quite new at chemistry and chemical processes and this is almost the first time I have read about a chemical process so easily explained.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AndrelleJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    thanks Maria i hope you enjoy the rest of my blog.

    ReplyDelete

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