Theory of reversible denaturation of globular proteins.

A theoretical method is developed by which the character of the process of protein denaturation (e.g., whether or not it is of the all-or-none type) can be discussed in terms of conformation of native proteins and the forces stabilizing it. An important role is played by a quantity S(H): entropy of a protein molecule in solution in the conformational states with a given value of enthalpy H. It is demonstrated that the all-or-none type denaturation of proteins is a rather direct consequence of the globularity and specificity of the native conformations. Denaturations with significant intermediate states are discussed. Denaturations induced by added denaturants are also discussed.