Loss of a protein's native shape from heat, pH or chemicals, which destroys its function.
Heat disrupts weak bonds, extreme pH changes charges on side chains and solvents or detergents disrupt hydrophobic interactions. The protein unfolds and loses its active shape, and often aggregates; renaturation is sometimes possible when conditions return.
Primary structure is unaffected since peptide bonds remain.
Loss of a protein's native shape from heat, pH or chemicals, which destroys its function.
Denaturation is one of the 51 topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include ATP Structure and Function, Amino Acids, Tertiary Structure.
Cooking an egg permanently denatures albumin so the clear white turns solid.
Work through the Beginner topics in Biomolecules & Biochemistry first, such as Water Properties, Carbon Chemistry, Carbohydrates, then return to Denaturation. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Denaturation are ATP Structure and Function, Amino Acids, Tertiary Structure, Carbon Chemistry. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Denaturation. To practise the whole of Biomolecules & Biochemistry, use the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz.
Denaturation: Loss of a protein's native shape from heat, pH or chemicals, which destroys its function. ATP Structure and Function: Adenosine triphosphate stores energy in its phosphate bonds and acts as the universal energy currency of cells. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with ATP Structure and Function and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biomolecules & Biochemistry quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Adenosine triphosphate stores energy in its phosphate bonds and acts as the universal energy currency of cells.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryTwenty building blocks, each with an amino group, a carboxyl group and a variable side chain.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryThe overall three-dimensional shape of one polypeptide, held by side-chain interactions and disulfide bridges.
⚗️ Biomolecules & BiochemistryCarbon forms four covalent bonds, allowing chains, rings and the huge variety of organic molecules in living things.
⚗️ Biomolecules & Biochemistry