Studies on Denaturation of Proteins XIII. A Theory of Denaturation†

Denaturation has been variously supposed to be depolymerization, anhydride formation or hydrolysis. It appears that the different theories do not refer to exactly the same phenomenon, but they can be reconciled if the difference between denaturation and coagulation is recognized. All the previous theories of denaturation are based mainly upon observations on heat denaturation and to some extent on denaturation by alcohol and by acids and alkalies. This chapter presents a formulation of a more general theory of denaturation. It has been emphasized that the theory proposed does not presuppose the absence in the protein molecule of linkages other than those at present known. Unless the protein molecule is a rigid system of rings formed entirely by primary valence linkages, the theory will not be invalidated by any new knowledge about the constitution of the protein molecule which organic chemistry may bring in the future.