A native protein is a protein in a biological system with a unique three-dimensional structure and biological activity. Denaturation occurs when subjected to physical or chemical changes, disrupting hydrogen bonds, unfolding globules, and uncoiling helices, resulting in the loss of biological activity while the primary structure remains intact.
Share
A native protein refers to its functional, properly folded state with a specific three-dimensional structure under physiological conditions. Denaturation is the process by which a protein loses its native conformation due to external factors like heat, pH changes, or chemicals, disrupting the non-covalent forces stabilizing the structure. This leads to the unfolding of the protein, rendering it non-functional. While the primary structure remains intact during denaturation, the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures are disrupted. Denatured proteins may regain their native structure upon removal of denaturing agents, but irreversible denaturation can result in permanent loss of function.