Which structure of protein remains intact after coagulation of egg white on boiling?
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quaternary
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
Proteins are complex molecules that have different levels of structural organization: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. When it comes to the question of which structure remains intact after the coagulation of egg white upon boiling, we need to consider what happens physically and chemically during this process.
1. **Primary Structure**: This refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. During coagulation, the primary structure remains intact as boiling does not break the peptide bonds between amino acids.
2. **Secondary Structure**: Refers to the folding of the polypeptide chain into alpha-helices and beta-sheets, stabilized by hydrogen bonds. Boiling can disrupt these hydrogen bonds, causing the secondary structure to alter.
3. **Tertiary Structure**: This is the overall three-dimensional shape of a protein. The intramolecular interactions like hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and disulfide bonds can be disrupted during the heat-induced coagulation.
4. **Quaternary Structure**: This applies to proteins with two or more polypeptide chains. Similar to tertiary structures, these interactions can be disrupted by heat.
Upon boiling, the egg white proteins denature, meaning that the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures are disrupted. However, the primary structure, which consists of the linear sequence of amino acids held together by covalent peptide bonds, remains unchanged.
The correct answer is Primary.
In conclusion, during the coagulation of egg white, only the primary structure of proteins remains intact, as chemical treatments like boiling affect non-covalent bonds and disulfide bonds, which are involved in the higher levels of protein structure.
Approach Solution -2
Boiling an egg causes denaturation of its protein, resulting in loss of its quaternary, tertiary,
and secondary structures, but the primary structure remains intact.
The correct option is (A) :Primary
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Concepts Used:
Proteins
An essential part of every cell in our body, protein is one of the three macronutrients which is required by our body in larger amounts. Proteins are made up of linear chains of smaller units called amino acids. Every biochemical process that takes place inside our bodies is possible because of these proteins. Proteins are 3-dimensional structures that are assembled with different amino acid sequences.
Functions of Protein
Proteins are used in many ways. Some of their functions are:
- Enzymes: Most of the important chemical reactions which take place inside a cell are mostly carried out by enzymes. They also play a role in regenerating and creating DNA molecules and carrying out complex processes.
- Hormonal Regulation: Proteins create various types of hormones that help in balancing the components of the body. For example, hormones like insulin help in regulating blood sugar and secretin. The formation of digestive juices essential for the whole digestion process is also possible because of hormones.
- Protection: Being the main constituent of antibodies, proteins protect our body against antigens and pathogens thus preventing infections.
- Energy: Proteins are one the most essential sources of energy required for our body movements. The right amount of proteins should be consumed so that they can be turned into energy.
- Structural functions: Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They are required for the growth, development, healing, and repair of tissues. Proteins are essential in order to strengthen various structures like hair, skin, and muscles. It is also present in the outer membrane of all cells in the human body.
Classification of Protein
Proteins are classified on the basis of:
- Shape
- Constitution
- Nature of Molecules
Protein Structure
A protein molecule is made from a long chain of amino acids, each linked to its neighbor through a covalent peptide bond. The structure of proteins are divided into four types:
- Primary Structure
- Secondary Structure
- Tertiary Sector
- Quaternary Structure