The process that causes proteins to lose their shape and function is known as denaturation. Denaturation can occur due to changes in environmental conditions, such as heat, pH alteration, or the presence of chemicals. When proteins denature, their three-dimensional structure is disrupted, affecting their functionality. This process is crucial in biological systems, as it can impact enzyme activities and protein interactions. Understanding denaturation processes is important for fields such as biotechnology and food science, where protein stability is often a concern.