What is Denaturation?
Answer – Denaturation is the process by which external factors and conditions bring about a change in the shape of a protein molecule.
Explanation:
Proteins are able to perform their functions not only due to their composition, but also due to their shape. The bonds between the constituent amino acids determine the molecular structure and shape of proteins.
These bonds may alter due to changes in external conditions such as temperature or pressure, or due to the addition of substances such as alkalis or acids. In such cases, even though the composition of the protein remains the same, it can no longer fulfill its function. This is called denaturation of protein, and the protein is regarded as denatured.
Sometimes, denaturation is reversible if the external factors that caused it are removed.
