The process that involves the removal of a phosphate group from a protein to change its shape and function is called dephosphorylation.
1. Dephosphorylation is the opposite of phosphorylation, where a phosphate group is added to a protein.
2. When a phosphate group is removed through dephosphorylation, it can alter the protein's conformation (shape) and thus change its function.
3. This process is crucial in cellular signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms where protein activity needs to be modulated.
In summary, dephosphorylation is the specific process that modifies proteins by removing phosphate groups, leading to changes in their shape and function.
