Answer to Question #70282 in Biochemistry for A.K

Question

Which interactions do you think would be impacted if a protein was placed in very salty sea water? Why?

Answer 1

Intramolecular interactions will be impacted (van der Waals forces, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds). Chaotropic agent, like NaCl, in high concentrations can destabilize the protein, which may result in protein denaturation.