Question

During the denaturation of proteins, which of the following structures will remain intact?

• A. Secondary& tertiary (2°, 3°)
• B. Tertiary only (3°)
• C. Primary only (1°)
• D. Primary and secondary (1°, 2°)

Hint:

Denaturation alters the physical properties of proteins but not their amino acid sequence. Always remember — peptide bonds are stronger than hydrogen or ionic bonds and survive denaturation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Denaturation of proteins involves the disruption of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures due to the breaking of non-covalent interactions (like hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and ionic bonds). However, the primary structure — the linear sequence of amino acids held together by peptide bonds — remains unaffected. These covalent bonds are much stronger and are not broken during simple denaturation processes. Hence, only the primary structure (1°) remains intact.