---
title: "Denature — AP Biology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Denature means a protein loses its 3D shape and stops working. Learn how heat, pH, and salt break enzymes apart and why this matters for AP Bio Unit 3."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/key-terms/denature"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Biology"
---

# Denature — AP Biology Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Denaturation refers to any structural changes that disrupt the native conformation and functionally active state of proteins, often caused by factors like heat, extreme pH, or certain chemicals.

## Review

### Related Terms

- Native Conformation: The specific three-dimensional shape or structure that a protein naturally adopts, allowing it to perform its biological functions.
- Folding: The process through which a protein chain assumes its functional three-dimensional conformation.
- Chaperone Proteins: Specialized proteins that assist in the proper folding or refolding of other proteins, preventing misfolding or aggregation.