Heat shock response

The heat shock response is a natural process cells use to protect themselves from stress caused by increased temperatures or other harmful conditions. When cells experience heat, they produce special proteins called heat shock proteins (HSPs). These HSPs act like molecular chaperones, helping other proteins maintain their proper shape and function, preventing damage or misfolding. This response helps cells survive stressful conditions, repair damage, and restore normal operations once the stress subsides. Essentially, it's the cell’s way of activating a protective system to maintain stability and ensure survival under adverse conditions.