Protein function is lost or reduced when a protein is denatured. Which of the environmental factors listed can cause protein denaturation? excessive heat extreme pH exposure to water protein‑digesting enzymes

Option A, Excessive heat

Explanation:

A denatured protein is the one whose structure changes with the loss of an activity. Generally, a denatured protein unfolds itself when the 2 D network of water around the protein molecule breaks by the breaking of hydrogen bonds. This primarily happens when the temperature is high. Both hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions are disturbed by the heat thereby breaking hydrogen bonds.

excessive heat

extreme pH

Explanation:

Protein denaturation can occur when they are exposed to abruptly increased temperature conditions and extremes of pH. Heat denature proteins by affecting the weak interactions that stabilize their secondary or tertiary structures. It makes the proteins less functional or completely non-functional. Similarly, extremes of pH alter the net charge on the protein. This causes electrostatic repulsion between the amino acids and disrupts some hydrogen bonds. Loss of these weak interactions denatures proteins.