Van der Waals interactions Any two atoms, brought together, tend to polarize their electron shells, produce electrostatic attractions. These forces tend to stabilize arrangements of side chains that allow close packing of many atomic pairs. Some proteins are made from several polypeptide chains. Chains combine through interactions between side chains-same interactions discussed with regard to tertiary structure. F. Protein denaturation Irreversible change in the three-dimensional structure of a protein.
Heat breaks weak bonds by raising kinetic energy of bombarding solvent molecules.
Acid breaks electrostatic bonds, causes electrostatic repulsions. Do not mix egg white directly with gin. Denaturation is why heat, acid, alcohol destroy living cells.