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Physical & Chemical properties

Melting point / freezing point

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Link to relevant study record(s)

Description of key information

Study sientifically not nessary.

A classical melting point is not relevant for enzymes.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Additional information

Enzymes are polymers of 20 different naturally occurring amino acids in various length and order. The amino acids sequence determines the structure of the enzyme since at biological conditions the structure of this polymer is defined by the energy minimum fold. The enzyme fold and structure is held together primarily by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ion bonds and van der Waals forces between the different amino acids and cofactors. When heating the enzymes above the biological conditions, typically 80°C and higher, the attracting forces within the enzymes are broken, the fold is disrupted and the enzyme denatures. Denatured the enzymes lose their activity and typically coagulate. Thus a classical melting point is not relevant for enzymes.