A process that changes the shape of a protein molecule without breaking its covalent bond is called ___________.

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The process that changes the shape of a protein molecule without breaking its covalent bonds is known as denaturation. During denaturation, the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein are altered due to the disruption of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. This alteration can be caused by various factors, including heat, pH changes, or the presence of certain chemicals.

In contrast, coagulation involves the aggregation of proteins, often leading to the formation of a solid or semi-solid mass, which can include the breaking of certain types of bonds or interactions. Agglutination refers to the clumping of particles, typically associated with antibodies binding to antigens, and is not directly related to protein structure changes. Saturation generally pertains to the maximum concentration of a solute in a solution and is not a process related to protein shape alteration. Therefore, denaturation is specifically the correct term for the change in shape without the breakdown of covalent bonds.

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