Qualitative Changes

The qualitative changes in the structure of proteins in response to stress can lead to the following:

1. Resistance against denaturation of protein: As mentioned above this is possible by alteration in acidic and basic amino acid side chains and in the thiol group (SH) involved in conferring a safe structure to the protein.
2. Change in kinetic property of the molecule: Conformational changes affect the affinity and Km of protein and change it to a sub-optimal value. For example, receptor molecules involved in the uptake of specific nutrients by plants may change during stress.