key term - Denaturation

Definition

Denaturation is the process by which a protein loses its native shape due to the disruption of weak interactions within the molecule, often caused by changes in temperature or pH.

Related terms

Enzymes:

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in cells; they can be denatured, losing their functionality.

pH Scale:

A measure of acidity or alkalinity; extreme pH values can cause denaturation in proteins.

Heat Shock Proteins: These are produced by cells in response to exposure to stressful conditions such as heat, cold, UV light etc., helping prevent denaturation.