What process describes when a protein becomes biologically inactive due to environmental changes?

The process that describes when a protein becomes biologically inactive due to environmental changes is denaturation. Denaturation occurs when a protein loses its three-dimensional structure, which is essential for its function, without breaking its primary peptide bonds. This structural change can be brought about by various factors, including extreme changes in temperature, pH levels, or exposure to certain chemicals.

When proteins denature, their secondary and tertiary structures unravel, leading to a loss of biological activity. For example, when you cook an egg, the heat causes the proteins in the egg white to denature, resulting in the solidification of the once-clear liquid. This illustrates how environmental changes can alter protein structure and function.

Other processes like hydrolysis pertain to the breakdown of chemical bonds through the addition of water, typically leading to the decomposition of a molecule. Replication refers to the process of copying genetic material, and translation is the synthesis of proteins from RNA. These processes are distinct from denaturation, which specifically involves the unfolding and functional loss of proteins.