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 It may also refer to a state from being active to becoming less or no longer active.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...

    Chemical effects on plant growth and development
    Effect of Chemicals on Growth & Development in Organisms

    Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and developme..

    An artistic depiction of a human embryo
    Growth and Development of a Human Baby

    Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

    A chart depicting Mendel's Law of Dominance
    Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics

    One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..

    Circulation
    Circulation

    The circulatory system is key to the transport of vital biomolecules and nutrients throughout the body. Learn about the ..

    DNA - schematic
    Genetic Mutations

    This tutorial looks at the mutation at the gene level and the harm it may bring. Learn about single nucleotide polymorph..

    Lotic community of algal species
    Lotic Communities & Algae

    Lotic communities have conditions that are rather harsh for typical plants. Thus, the diversity of plant species in loti..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics