What is the Difference Between Denaturation and Coagulation

The main difference between denaturation and coagulation is that denaturation is the process of losing the native state of proteins and nucleic acids, whereas coagulation is the change in the structure of proteins, precipitating them. Furthermore, denaturation is the first step of coagulation, while the two steps of coagulation are denaturation and precipitation. 

Denaturation and coagulation are two processes which occur in proteins. Therefore, they are important processes in biochemistry. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Denaturation
     – Definition, Process, Importance
2. What is Coagulation
     – Definition, Process, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Denaturation and Coagulation
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Denaturation and Coagulation
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Coagulation, Denaturation, Flocculation, Isoelectric Point, Precipitation

What is Denaturation 

Denaturation is the process of losing the native structure of proteins. It also describes the loss of native structure of nucleic acids. Protein denaturation is a key process in biochemistry. Generally, it occurs under the influence of strong acid or base, organic solvents, concentrated inorganic solvents, heat, etc. Moreover, the main characteristics of a denatured protein include conformational changes and the loss of solubility. However, proteins play a key role in the structure and function of a cell. Therefore, the loss of the native structure of the proteins inside a cell disrupts cellular activities of the cell while serving as a consequence of cell death. 

Figure 1: Protein Denaturation

Furthermore, denaturation is the first step of coagulation of proteins. Denatured proteins are insoluble around its isoelectric point. However, they are soluble in acids and alkali. On the other hand, protein denaturation is a reversible process, and the denatured proteins undergo renaturation with the removal of the external influence, which causes denaturation.  

What is Coagulation 

Coagulation is the process of changing the structure of proteins due to the influence of external factors, including heat, acids, alcohols, and other agents. The two main steps of coagulation are denaturation and precipitation. As discussed above, denaturation results in the change in the native structure of proteins. After that, these denatured proteins undergo precipitation. Here, when the proteins undergo denaturation around their isoelectric point, a visible protein precipitate occurs. In contrast, when protein denaturation occurs in an acidic or alkaline solution, no visible change occurs. But, when the solution comes into its isoelectric point, the denatured proteins undergo precipitation. 

Figure 2: Flocculation

Moreover, precipitation can occur in the form of flocculation in which fine particulates occur in the form of clumps together form a floc. Flocculation is a reversible process. Therefore, the proteins that undergo flocculation can be readily redissolved.  

Similarities Between Denaturation and Coagulation 

• Denaturation and coagulation are two processes that occur in proteins. 
• Therefore, they are important in the study of proteins in biochemistry. 

Difference Between Denaturation and Coagulation 

Definition 

Denaturation refers to the process of modifying the molecular structure of a protein while coagulation refers to the change in the structure of a protein by the action of heat, mechanical action or acids. 

Correspondence 

Denaturation is the first step of coagulation while the two steps of coagulation are denaturation and precipitation. 

Significance 

Moreover, denaturation is the process of losing the native state of proteins, while coagulation is the change in the structure of proteins, precipitating them. Thus, this is the main difference between denaturation and coagulation.

Process 

During denaturation, the bonds which hold the 3D structure of proteins are broken down; however, during coagulation proteins undergo semi- or complete solidification.  

Visibility 

Another difference between denaturation and coagulation is that the former is less visible while the latter is more visible. 

Conclusion 

Denaturation is the process of losing the native structure of proteins. It is also the first step of coagulation. Here, coagulation is the change in the structure of proteins due to different external factors including heat, acids, or by the mechanical action. In the meanwhile, the two steps of coagulation include denaturation and precipitation. Therefore, the main difference between denaturation and coagulation is the effect of each process on proteins.  

References:

1. Mirsky, A E, and M L Anson. “Protein Coagulation And Its Reversal: The Reversal Of The Coagulation Of Hemoglobin.” The Journal of General Physiology, vol. 13, no. 2, 1929, pp. 133–143., doi:10.1085/jgp.13.2.133.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Process of Denaturation” By Scurran15 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Flocculation” By Brittany2442 – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia