NCERT · Class 12 · Chemistry · BiomoleculesWhat is meant by the denaturation of proteins? Give one example.

Denaturation of proteins refers to the process where a protein loses its native three-dimensional tertiary and secondary structures due to physical changes like heating or chemical changes like pH alterations. During denaturation, hydrogen bonds are disrupted, uncoiling the polypeptide chains, though the primary structure remains intact. The protein loses its biological activity completely. A common example is the coagulation of egg white upon boiling.