What is the process called when globular proteins unfold and lose their functional shape?

Denaturation is the process in which globular proteins unfold and lose their functional shape. This process can occur due to various factors such as changes in temperature, pH, or exposure to chemicals. When a protein denatures, its structured conformation, which is essential for its biological function, is disrupted. This can lead to a loss of activity because the protein structure is critical to its ability to bind to substrates or perform its role in biological processes.

In contrast, hydrolysis refers to the breakdown of compounds due to the reaction with water, often breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones, but it does not specifically pertain to the unfolding of proteins. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, which can alter chemical properties but isn't synonymous with the structural change of proteins. Polymerization is the process of linking monomers to form larger macromolecules, which is quite different from the unfolding and loss of function associated with denaturation. Therefore, denaturation specifically describes the unfolding of globular proteins, making it the correct term for this process.