What occurs to GFP when incubated in a high salt Binding Buffer?

When GFP is incubated in a high salt Binding Buffer, it experiences a conformational change. High salt concentrations can affect the electrostatic interactions that maintain the protein's structure. Specifically, the ions in the salt solution can shield the charges on the protein, leading to a reduction in stabilizing interactions. This may result in changes to the folding or arrangement of the polypeptide chain, thus affecting the overall conformation of GFP.

Conformational changes are significant because they can influence the protein's functionality, stability, and ability to interact with other molecules, which is critical during purification processes.