What is the process of modifying a native protein, often through heat or radiation?

The process of modifying a native protein through heat or radiation is known as denaturation. Denaturation involves the alteration of a protein's three-dimensional structure without breaking its primary peptide bonds. This can occur due to various factors, such as increased temperature or exposure to radiation, which disrupts the non-covalent interactions (like hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds) that maintain the protein's folded structure. When a protein is denatured, it typically loses its biological activity because its specific shape is essential for its function.

In contrast, alteration refers to any change in the protein but does not specifically imply the irreversible loss of functionality. Degradation generally involves breaking down the protein into smaller peptides or amino acids, which is a more extensive modification than denaturation. Oxidation, while it can modify proteins, relates specifically to reactions involving the addition of oxygen or the removal of electrons, not the physical alteration of the protein's structure caused by heat or radiation. Therefore, denaturation is the most accurate term for this process.