AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In many cases, denaturation is reversible. Since the primary structure of protein is intact, once the denaturing influence is removed, proteins can regain their native state by folding back to the original conformation. This process is called renaturation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Once the denaturing agent is removed, the original interactions between amino acids return the protein to its original conformation and it can resume its function. However, denaturation can be irreversible in extreme situations, like frying an egg.

Detailed explanation-3: -Protein denaturation is said to be irreversible when the denatured state achieved by increasing temperature or by using chemical denaturants is unable to return to the native, biologically functional state upon removal of the factor that caused denaturation.

Detailed explanation-4: -In many cases, the denaturation is only partially reversible (Klibanov, 1983; Volkin and Klibanov, 1987; Stempfer et al., 1996); thermal denaturation in particular often results in irreversible inactivation (Klibanov, 1983).