Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

Heating turns clear egg white opaque and solid, yet analysis shows every albumin peptide bond still intact. What did the heat actually change?

A.Secondary and tertiary interactions broke, so the chains unfolded and tangled while the sequence stayed the same
B.Peptide bonds were hydrolyzed, cutting each chain into short useless pieces
C.The primary sequence rearranged so the amino acids appear in a new order
D.New water molecules inserted themselves between consecutive amino acids

Explanation

Core Concept

Moderate heat disrupts the weak hydrogen bonds, ionic contacts, and hydrophobic packing that maintain folded shape, letting neighboring unfolded chains stick together into a solid mass. The covalent backbone survives, which is why the amino acid sequence remains readable after cooking. Loss of the precise fold removes the protein's normal activity, illustrating that shape rather than composition determines function. Complete digestion into fragments would require enzymatic or acid hydrolysis, not kitchen temperatures.

Correct Answer

ASecondary and tertiary interactions broke, so the chains unfolded and tangled while the sequence stayed the same

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