Do Peptide Bonds Break During Denaturation?

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Peptide bonds do not break during the denaturation of proteins, even when enzymes lose their three-dimensional structure at temperatures above 104°C. While denaturation affects hydrogen bonds and overall protein shape, the primary structure, maintained by peptide bonds, remains intact. The discussion highlights that common misconceptions exist regarding the stability of peptide bonds under heat. Techniques like SDS-PAGE demonstrate that peptide bonds survive heating, as evidenced by consistent results in gel electrophoresis. Overall, the assertion that peptide bonds break during denaturation is incorrect.
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Homework Statement



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.

Homework Equations



Peptide bonds DO NOT BREAK DOWN when proteins/enzymes are denatured. Peptide bonds form the primary structure of proteins and enzymes. All of the textbooks here are my sources:

https://www.google.com/search?q=pep...cp.r_qf.&fp=111e727753762aa8&biw=1366&bih=677


The Attempt at a Solution



Conclusion: the CliffNotes book is flat-out W R O N G.

Am I correct?
 
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It would depend on how far above 104oC one goes and how long it's held there but you are right that it is wrong for temperatures only somewhat above that temperature in a reasonable timeframe.
 
You are correct.
Trust me on this one. I'm doing a PhD in biochemistry.

Heard of the SDS-PAGE technique?
It involves heating proteins to 100C for 10 mins, and then running them on a gel.
I've run many, many gels, and my peptide-bonds have never broken.
You can make out by just looking at the stained-bands
 
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