Proteins are thermodynamically unstable molecules since the Delta G of hydrolysis is quite negative. However, most proteins are not degraded unless they come into contact with proteases in cells. What is the reasoning for this paradox? The reaction is endergonic and will not proceed without energy. There is very little water inside cells to react with protein molecules. The free energy change doesn't reveal anything about the rate of the reaction. The concentration of proteins are low which allows them to be more stable.

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**Title: Understanding Protein Stability and Degradation**

**Proteins and Thermodynamic Stability**

Proteins are thermodynamically unstable molecules due to the Delta G of hydrolysis being quite negative. Despite this instability, proteins are generally not degraded unless they encounter proteases within cells. This raises an important question regarding the paradox of protein stability in biological systems:

**What is the Reasoning for This Paradox?**

- **Option A**: The reaction is endergonic and will not proceed without energy.
- **Option B**: There is very little water inside cells to react with protein molecules.
- **Option C**: The free energy change doesn't reveal anything about the rate of the reaction.
- **Option D**: The concentration of proteins is low, which allows them to be more stable.

**Analysis of Each Option:**

1. **Endergonic Reactions**: Normally, an endergonic reaction requires energy input, suggesting that the energy landscape can affect degradation.

2. **Water Availability**: The presence of water can influence the hydrolysis of proteins, although cellular environments typically contain sufficient water.

3. **Free Energy and Reaction Rate**: A reaction’s free energy change does not necessarily correlate with the kinetic rate of the reaction. Proteins may be kinetically stable despite being thermodynamically unstable.

4. **Protein Concentration**: Lower concentrations might contribute to reduced likelihood of spontaneous reactions leading to degradation.

Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending protein behavior in cellular environments and the factors influencing their stability and degradation.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding Protein Stability and Degradation** **Proteins and Thermodynamic Stability** Proteins are thermodynamically unstable molecules due to the Delta G of hydrolysis being quite negative. Despite this instability, proteins are generally not degraded unless they encounter proteases within cells. This raises an important question regarding the paradox of protein stability in biological systems: **What is the Reasoning for This Paradox?** - **Option A**: The reaction is endergonic and will not proceed without energy. - **Option B**: There is very little water inside cells to react with protein molecules. - **Option C**: The free energy change doesn't reveal anything about the rate of the reaction. - **Option D**: The concentration of proteins is low, which allows them to be more stable. **Analysis of Each Option:** 1. **Endergonic Reactions**: Normally, an endergonic reaction requires energy input, suggesting that the energy landscape can affect degradation. 2. **Water Availability**: The presence of water can influence the hydrolysis of proteins, although cellular environments typically contain sufficient water. 3. **Free Energy and Reaction Rate**: A reaction’s free energy change does not necessarily correlate with the kinetic rate of the reaction. Proteins may be kinetically stable despite being thermodynamically unstable. 4. **Protein Concentration**: Lower concentrations might contribute to reduced likelihood of spontaneous reactions leading to degradation. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending protein behavior in cellular environments and the factors influencing their stability and degradation.
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