Denaturation is the process where a protein loses its native conformation (secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures) due to external stress like heat, acids, or heavy metal salts.

• The Primary Structure (amino acid sequence and peptide bonds) remains intact.
• Only the weak bonds (H-bonds, hydrophobic interactions) that maintain the 3D shape are broken.
• The protein becomes biologically inactive. A classic example is the coagulation of egg white (albumin) when boiled.