MCAT Biochemistry Question 8: Answer and Explanation

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Test Information

Question: 8

8. Which of the following is least likely to cause denaturation of proteins?

  • A. Heating the protein to 100°C
  • B. Adding 8 M urea
  • C. Moving it to a more hypotonic environment
  • D. Adding a detergent such as sodium dodecyl sulfate

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

High salt concentrations and detergents can denature a protein, as can high temperatures. But moving a protein to a hypotonic environment—that is, a lower solute concentration—should not lead to denaturation.

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