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#molten globule

2 public questions tagged with this topic.

Which condition indicates molten globule by CD?

Molten globule represents folding intermediate retaining native-like secondary structure but lacking specific tight tertiary packing of side chains. Far-ultraviolet CD remains native-like, indicating preserved helices and sheets. Near-ultraviolet CD, which depends on rigid asymmetric environment of aromatic residues, collapses because side chains become dynamic and symmetric averaging occurs to near zero. Observing strong far-ultraviolet but loss of near-ultraviolet CD near 280 nanometers is classical diagnostic criterion for molten globule. Increase in extinction reflects solvent exposure, red shift reflects polarity change, not definitive molten globule definition itself.

Ref: NCERT Biology Class XII Principles on Klenow fill-in labeling, Lehninger Chapter 9 DNA cloning techniques, and Molecular Cloning by Sambrook Chapter 10 documenting end-labeling of cohesive termini.

What is a molten globule?

A partially folded intermediate accurately defines or describes the concept asked in this question. Within Protein Folding, precise definitions and terminology are essential for clear scientific communication. The other options (A fully folded protein, An unfolded protein, and A misfolded protein aggregate) either describe related but distinct concepts, use incorrect terminology, or confuse similar-sounding terms that have different scientific meanings. A thorough understanding of exact definitions helps distinguish between closely related biological concepts and is crucial for competitive examinations.

Ref: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Nelson & Cox, 8th Ed., Ch. 4