How does protein denaturation occur?

Protein denaturation happens when a protein loses its natural shape because its weak bonds are broken.

Here’s a explanation:

1. Cause:
   Denaturation happens due to changes in the protein’s surroundings, such as:
   • High temperature (heat)
   • Extreme pH (too acidic or too basic)
   • Strong chemicals (like alcohol or urea)
   • Heavy metals (like mercury or lead)
2. What happens:
   These factors break the hydrogen bonds and other forces that hold the protein’s shape together.
   The protein unfolds and loses its 3D structure.
3. Effect:
   When the shape changes, the protein cannot perform its function anymore.
   (Example: when you cook an egg, the egg white turns solid — that’s denaturation of albumin.)

In short:
Protein denaturation means a protein’s shape changes due to heat, pH, or chemicals, making it inactive or nonfunctional.