Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a characteristic of proteins?

1. Soluble in water

2. Will coagulate with heat, drying, and specific chemicals

3. Only found in animals

4. Can easily be broken down without heat

The correct answer is: Will coagulate with heat, drying, and specific chemicals

Proteins are indeed known to coagulate or denature when exposed to heat, drying, or specific chemicals. This process involves a change in the protein's structure, which can alter its function. For example, when cooking an egg, the heat causes the proteins in the egg white to unfold and form a solid structure, demonstrating coagulation. This characteristic is significant in various applications, including food preparation and medical device sterilization processes where understanding protein behavior is crucial. The other options present characteristics that do not accurately represent proteins as a whole. While some proteins can be soluble in water, not all proteins exhibit this property; thus, it's not a definitive characteristic. The claim that proteins are only found in animals is incorrect, as proteins are present in both plant and animal sources. Lastly, while some proteins can be broken down without heat, many require heat or enzymatic action for breakdown effectively. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the unique properties of proteins in biological and clinical contexts.