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Denaturing: meaning, definitions and examples

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denaturing

 

[dɪˈneɪtʃərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

biochemical process

Denaturing refers to the process in which proteins or nucleic acids lose their natural structure due to the application of external stressors, such as heat, acid, or certain chemicals. This process often results in the loss of biological activity. In the context of proteins, denaturing disrupts the bonds that maintain the protein's shape, rendering it non-functional. Denaturation is a critical concept in biochemistry and molecular biology, influencing processes like enzyme activity and DNA replication.

Synonyms

deactivation, disruption, unfolding.

Examples of usage

  • Boiling an egg causes the proteins to denature.
  • Heat can denature enzymes in the cooking process.
  • Denaturing gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'de-', a prefix meaning to reverse or remove, with 'nature,' which comes from Latin 'natura' meaning birth or character.
  • Originally, the concept was used in biology and chemistry to describe the alteration of proteins.

Science

  • In biochemistry, denaturing often refers to proteins losing their shape due to heat or chemicals, which can affect their function.
  • Heat from cooking can denature proteins in food, changing its texture and nutritional properties.
  • Denaturing can also occur in DNA, where the double helix unwinds and separates for processes like replication.

Food and Cooking

  • In food preparation, denaturing is crucial when cooking meat or eggs; the heat changes the proteins, making them safe and tastier.
  • Alcohol and certain solvents are used to denature spirits, making them unfit for drinking but still usable for cleaning.

Environmental Science

  • Denaturing is relevant in environmental science, where pollutants can change the natural state of ecosystems, impacting local fauna and flora.
  • Some chemical agents can denature natural compounds in the soil, affecting plant growth and soil health.

Literature

  • Denaturing conceptually appears in literary themes where characters undergo personal transformations, altering their original 'nature'.
  • Authors may use denaturing as a metaphor for personal evolution or societal changes, emphasizing the loss of original identity.

Translations

Translations of the word "denaturing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desnaturação

🇮🇳 अस्वाभाविक करना

🇩🇪 Denaturierung

🇮🇩 denaturasi

🇺🇦 денатурація

🇵🇱 denaturacja

🇯🇵 変性

🇫🇷 dénaturation

🇪🇸 desnaturalización

🇹🇷 denatürasyon

🇰🇷 변성

🇸🇦 تغيير الطبيعة

🇨🇿 denaturace

🇸🇰 denaturácia

🇨🇳 变性

🇸🇮 denaturacija

🇮🇸 denatúra

🇰🇿 денаурация

🇬🇪 დენატურაცია

🇦🇿 denatürasiya

🇲🇽 desnaturalización

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,670, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.