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.
Analogy
Imagine if you had a beautifully built Lego castle but then someone shakes it vigorously. The pieces fall apart and your castle loses its original shape. That's what happens to proteins during denaturation - they lose their specific structure, which is crucial for their function.
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.
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