Definition: Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical treatment. Double strand DNA is "melted" by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced and largely reversible.
IM general only; coord NIM with DNA or RNA or specific (IM)
See AlsoRNA Stability
Other names RNA Denaturation; DNA Melting; DNA Denaturation; Nucleic Acid Denaturations; Denaturation, RNA; Denaturation, Nucleic Acid; Denaturation, DNA; Acid Denaturation, Nucleic