Proteins cannot be denatured by the addition of

Options

A. Water
B. Acids
C. Detergents
D. Heat

Answer

To answer the question "Proteins cannot be denatured by the addition of," we need to understand what denaturation of proteins means and the factors that can cause it.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Protein Denaturation**:
- Denaturation refers to the process where proteins lose their natural structure due to the disruption of non-covalent interactions. This can lead to a loss of function.

2. **Factors that Cause Denaturation**:
- Several factors can lead to the denaturation of proteins:
- **Acids**: The addition of acids can alter the pH and disrupt ionic bonds and hydrogen bonds in proteins, leading to denaturation.
- **Detergents**: These can disrupt the hydrophobic interactions within proteins, causing them to unfold.
- **Heat**: Increasing temperature can provide enough energy to break the bonds that maintain the protein's structure.

3. **Identifying the Exception**:
- Among the factors mentioned, we need to identify which one does not cause denaturation.
- **Water**: Water is a solvent and does not disrupt the protein structure in the same way that acids, detergents, or heat do. Therefore, the addition of water does not denature proteins.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the above reasoning, the correct answer to the question is that proteins cannot be denatured by the addition of **water**.

### Final Answer:
Proteins cannot be denatured by the addition of **water**.

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