denaturation

/diːˌneɪtʃəˈreɪʃən/
noun
  1. The process by which a protein or nucleic acid loses its natural three-dimensional structure, often due to heat, chemicals, or pH changes, causing it to stop functioning normally.
    • The denaturation of proteins in milk occurs when it is heated to make yogurt.
    • High temperatures cause the denaturation of enzymes, which is why boiling stops chemical reactions in food.
    • Scientists study protein denaturation to understand how diseases like Alzheimer's develop.
  2. The process of making a substance (such as alcohol) unfit for human consumption by adding a denaturant.
    • Denaturation of the solvent makes it safe for use in cleaning products.
    • The factory performs denaturation on all its alcohol shipments to prevent misuse.
    • The denaturation of industrial ethanol is required by law to avoid alcohol taxes.
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