Biochemistry
Denaturation refers to the structural alteration of proteins or nucleic acids, leading to a loss of their biological function. This process can be triggered by various factors, including heat, pH changes, and chemical exposure, which disrupt the non-covalent interactions that stabilize the native structure of these biomolecules. Understanding denaturation is crucial because it highlights how proteins can lose their functional shape, impacting processes like enzyme activity and molecular recognition.
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