Question

what effect does a denaturant have on a solution of a protein?

Answer 1

Mostly the protein folding reactions occur by means of heat, acid or any chemical denaturant to the protein solution so as to alter the protein structure. If we are using the chemical denaturant, very high concentrations of the denaturant has to be used so as to observe the alteration in the protein structure.Thus, with high concentrations of the chemical denaturant, both the protein structure and the structure of the solvent sorrounding the protein can be changed(altered).

After denaturation of the protein, there can is loss of function of the protein. Also there is a loss of activity of the protein because of heavy metals.

Some of the chemical denaturants are formamide, guanidine, DMSO (Dimethyl sulphoxide) and so on.