Dictionary > Deactivation

Deactivation

Definition
noun
The process of making inactive or the state of becoming less or not active anymore
Supplement
Deactivation is in general a process of making inactive. It may also refer to a state from being active to becoming less or no longer active. In biology, deactivation may be seen in protein denaturation and sterilization.
Deactivation of a particular protein may be carried out, for instance, by denaturation. Denaturation disrupts the structure of the protein, i.e. the quaternary, tertiary, or secondary structure. It can be done by applying an external stress or compound, e.g. through introduction of a strong acid or base, an inorganic salt, or an organic solvent. It may also be through exposure to radiation or heat. When a protein loses its structure, it will not be able to carry through a biological activity. Cells with denatured proteins may lead to cell death.
Deactivation is also a term in microbiology. For instance, deactivation of microbiological life and other related biological agents is done through sterilization. They are killed as a result of sterilization and therefore are no longer capable of replicating, functioning, or producing disease. Sterilization may be carried out through heat, high pressure, irradiation, and chemical administration.
Compare:

Related form(s):

  • deactivate (verb, to render inactive from its inactive state or form)
  • deactivated (adjective, of deactivation, or becoming in an inactive form or state)


  • You will also like...

    Human Nervous System
    The Human Nervous System

    The nervous system is essentially a biological information highway. This tutorial gives an overview of the nervous syste..

    Cell Respiration
    Cell Respiration

    Cell respiration is the process of creating ATP. It is "respiration" because it utilizes oxygen. Know the different stag..

    Ploidy
    Polyploidy

    Humans are diploid creatures. This means that for every chromosome in the body, there is another one to match it. Howeve..

    human brain structure
    The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

    This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

    Mātauranga Māori and Science Collaboration
    Mātauranga Māori and Science

    Mātauranga Māori is the living knowledge system of the indigenous people of New Zealand, including the relationships t..

    Pikas are an indicator species for climate change
    Indicator Species and Endangered Species

    Certain species are capable of expressing characteristics indicative of the state of the ecosystem they occupy. They are..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics