Chinese Journal of Physiology

DENATURATION VERSUS COAGULATION 5

Natural protein

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Isoelectric In acid or alkaline solution Denauirainony\(s\ox) Denaturation (rapid) ~ accelerated by

heat and accelerated by heat alcohol and alcohol

y

“>> Denatured protein

Flocculation

occurs when solution after cooling is made isoelectric

Flocculated denatured protein

Coagulation Coagulation under the influence occurs on heating of heat, alcohol, of the suspension y shaking, etc,

Coagulated natural protein Coagulated denatured protein

The difference between denaturation and coagulation having been thus recognized, the apparent conflict between the two theories of denaturation disappears. The degradation theory is a theory of denaturation, while the condensation theory is one of coagulation.

SUMMARY

Evidence is adduced to show that coagulation of protein is not denaturation followed by flocculation as is generally believed, but an entirely different process.

The recognition of this fact brings into harmony the two conflicting theories of denaturation, The hydrolytic or degradation theory is a

theory of denaturation, whereas the anhydride or condensation theory is a theory of coagulation.