Effect of denaturants on the oligomeric structure of the 11 S protein of sunflower (Helianthus annum).

The effect of sodium dodecyl sulphate, urea, guanidinium hydrochloride and heat on the oligomeric structure of the 11 S protein of sunflower has been determined. Sodium dodecyl sulphate directly dissociates the protein to 2 S subunits, whereas urea and guanidinium hydrochloride dissociate it through an intermediate 7 S protein. Heating the protein at 90°C for 20 min caused dissociation of the 11 S protein, without any precipitation.