Denaturation of a protein involves a change in the secondary structure of the molecule.

a.  primary        b.   secondary        c.   peptide bond       
d.  a, b, and c are all involved in denaturation

Although the primary structure remains intact, a protein that is denatured losses its biological activity.  What does this suggest about the relationship of shape to the function of the molecule?

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Emma Erdahl, Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Virginia Community College
Revised 8/23/00