In biological systems, a molecule is considered to have undergone a structural alteration when its native conformation is disrupted. This process typically involves the unfolding of proteins or nucleic acids, leading to a loss of their biological function. For instance, the application of heat to an egg white causes the proteins within to unravel and coagulate, a visible manifestation of this molecular change. Similarly, extreme pH levels or exposure to certain chemicals can disrupt the bonds that maintain the structure of these vital biomolecules.
The significance of this process lies in its role in both cellular regulation and experimental design. Cells carefully control the structure of proteins to regulate their activity. Artificially inducing this conformational change is a common technique in research, allowing scientists to study protein structure-function relationships and to inactivate enzymes for various applications. Historically, understanding how environmental factors affect molecular structure has been crucial in fields ranging from food science to pharmaceuticals.