Biochemistry

Native conformation Denatured conditions Monomers (subunits) Preservation or loss of biological activity is possible Partial unfolding Unfolding ------------------ -< ------------------ Sometimes Partial or full activation is possible Unfolding ------------------ ► <- ---------------- Sometimes Full unfolding Lack of activity Figure 2.7 - Scheme of protein denaturation Protein denaturation plays a significant role in life processes. As the human body ages, a gradual denaturation of proteins and a decrease in their hydrophilicity occur. So, with seed aging, protein denaturation leads to a loss of their ability to germinate. The denaturation of the compact molecule into a disordered ball facilitates the access of proteolytic enzymes to the peptide bonds that they break. Therefore, denatured proteins are more easily cleaved by enzymes than native ones. Consequently, denatured proteins in the human gastrointestinal tract will be better digested. This contributes to the heat treatment of products containing proteins (meat, fish). In the human stomach, hydrochloric acid is produced, which, by causing the denaturation of proteins, helps break down their enzymes and assimilation by the human body. A number of technological processes for obtaining food products (baking bread and confectionery products, drying pasta, vegetables, milk, egg powder, making canned food, etc.) are associated with partial denaturation of proteins that make up the raw materials. 62