CliffNotes said:Above 104°, these enzymes begin to lose their ability to catalyze reactions as they become denatured, that is, they lose their three-dimensional shape as hydrogen bonds and peptide bonds begin to break down.
Denaturation is the process by which a protein loses its shape and function due to external factors such as heat, pH changes, or chemicals. This disrupts the protein's secondary and tertiary structure, but not its primary structure (amino acid sequence).
Denaturation can cause the peptide bonds in a protein to break, leading to the breakdown of the protein into smaller peptides or individual amino acids. This disruption of the protein's structure can also affect the stability of the peptide bonds and weaken their ability to hold the protein together.
Peptide bonds are covalent bonds that link amino acids together to form a protein's primary structure. They also contribute to the formation of secondary and tertiary structures, as they determine the angles and rotations of the protein's backbone.
In some cases, denaturation can be reversed by restoring the protein's natural environment, such as adjusting the pH or temperature. However, denaturation caused by irreversible factors such as extreme heat or chemical modification cannot be reversed.
Denaturation can alter the shape of a protein, which can affect its ability to interact with other molecules and carry out its specific function. In some cases, denaturation can completely inactivate a protein, rendering it unable to perform its biological role.