Altering protein structure

a. can alter its function.

b. can be caused by heating the protein.

c. can have serious medical consequences.

d. all of the answers are true.

The correct answer is d. all of the answers are true.

The function of a protein is dependent on its three-dimensional (3D) structure, so when it structure is altered its function is altered too. Disruption of the protein structure is called denaturationo f the protein and it can be achieved by changing the pH, changing the temperature (usually heating), changin the salt concentration ... Consequence of denaturation is loss of biological activity which can lead to seriuos medical consequences.

The alteration in the protein structures can take place due to many reason. Once, the structure of the protein is altered, it cannot perform its function, as it cannot bind to the site for which it is designated.

Most of the biological processes use proteins in their completion. In case, the protein cannot perform its function, the metabolic process associated with that particular protein may stop and cause severe illness.

The heat can cause the denaturation of the proteins. The proteins are made up of amino acid sequences, the heat can break the peptide bond present between the amino acids present in protein, which can result in alteration of protein.

Hence, the correct answer is option (d). all of them are correct.