[Campbell Biology P.132] Which of the following statements about protein denaturation is INC... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about protein denaturation is INCORRECT?

  • A: Excessive heat can cause denaturation by agitating the polypeptide chain.
  • B: Denaturation always results in irreversible loss of a protein's functional shape.
  • C: Denaturing agents disrupt weak interactions like hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bridges.
  • D: The solidification of egg white during cooking is an example of protein denaturation.

Explanation

The text states that when a protein in a test-tube solution has been denatured by heat or chemicals, it can sometimes return to its functional shape when the denaturing agent is removed. This indicates that denaturation is not always irreversible. For example, a fried egg cannot be un-fried, but some other proteins can refold.