What Is Known as Protein Denaturation

What is known as protein denaturation: Proteins undergo physiological changes that can sometimes also be induced by pathological situations; in this article we will talk about a process known as protein denaturation.

The structure of proteins

Proteins are macronutrients essential for the formation of new structures; they are not only necessary to generate new muscle tissue, but also form antibodies, essential parts for the proper functioning of our immune system.

Proteins are made up of amino acids; in fact, at least 50 amino acids are needed to form a protein.

To form a protein we need bonds between amino acids, but for a protein to be functional it must have a specific chemical structure; specifically, we can distinguish the following:

• Primary structure: This is the most basic structure, since it is formed solely by the ordered alignment of the amino acids that make up that particular protein; however, the primary structure is of great importance because it largely defines what final structure the protein will end up acquiring.
• Secondary structure: It consists of the folding of the primary structure, a folding caused by the interactions that occur between the different amino acids in the chain. In the secondary structure we can distinguish two forms: alpha helices or beta sheets.
• Tertiary structure: It is the folding of the secondary structure upon itself, due to the interactions between the different amino acids in the chain, specifically the interaction of amino acids that are distant from one another.
• Quaternary structure: It is the union of the different amino acid chains that have a tertiary structure, with the ultimate aim of forming a single protein.

Let us remember that acquiring a specific chemical structure is essential for proteins to be able to perform their functions.

What is protein denaturation?

Protein denaturation is a process in which the three-dimensional structure of the protein is modified, which usually entails the loss of its function.

We can distinguish two types of protein denaturation that can take place in our body:

• Reversible denaturation: The protein can recover its structure and function when normal conditions are restored.
• Irreversible denaturation: The protein cannot recover its structure, nor its functionality.

Protein denaturation can be caused by various factors:

• Changes in pH
• Increase in body temperature
• Heat
• Changes in ion concentration

In humans, one of the most common causes of protein denaturation is fever, when it reaches a temperature above 39 degrees Celsius, since below this temperature hyperthermia poses no risk to the structures of our body.

Protein denaturation: a necessary process

We cannot ignore that what is known as protein denaturation is a completely necessary process, since it allows us to eat many foods safely; for example, hen’s eggs contain a protein called avidin that acts as an antinutrient, but thanks to protein denaturation this substance is inactivated and the egg can be eaten without any risk to our health; the same happens with other foods.