Question

When heat is added to proteins, the hydrogen bonding in the secondary structure is disrupted. What are the algebraic signs of and for the denaturation process?

Short answer

Sign for both values is positive.

Step-by-step solution

Denaturation process

Denaturation is a process where heat is added to the protein. Because heat is given to the system, this reaction is endothermic.

Explanation

For the endothermic reaction, the sign of is positive.

The secondary structure is highly organized. Denaturation is a process where all intermolecular bonds are disrupted and broken down. Therefore, the organized structure is turned into unorganized. Because of that, will increase and the sign of is positive.

Hence, sign for both values is positive.