JEE MainChemistryBiomolecules
When an egg is boiled in water, the egg white coagulates. Which of the following statements correctly describes the changes in the protein structure during this process?
Options
- AThe secondary and tertiary structures are destroyed, but the primary structure remains intact.
- BThe primary structure is destroyed along with the higher-order structures.
- CThe peptide bonds are cleaved, converting the protein into free amino acids.
- DThe secondary and tertiary structures remain intact during the coagulation.
Correct answer
A. The secondary and tertiary structures are destroyed, but the primary structure remains intact.
Step-by-step solution
Boiling an egg causes the coagulation of egg white, which is a classic example of protein denaturation. During denaturation, the physical and biological properties of the protein change due to the unfolding of the protein molecule. The secondary and tertiary structures are destroyed as the forces stabilizing them are disrupted by heat. However, the primary structure, which is the specific sequence of amino acids held together by strong covalent peptide bonds, remains completely intact. Answer: The secondary and ter