Dictionary > Heat-labile

Heat-labile

Definition
adjective
Likely to be altered or degradation when subjected to heat
Supplement
In chemistry, the lability of a compound pertains to the capability of that substance to undergo a change. Thus, the term heat-labile describes one that is capable of changing or destruction when subjected to heat. In biochemistry, a molecule that is heat-labile means it can exist transiently in a particular conformation by means of heat before assuming a lower energy or stable conformation. In another context, a heat-labile molecule means it can also be destroyed upon exposure at high temperatures. For instance, a heat-labile protein may lose its structure as it unfolds at very high temperature. The opposite of heat-labile in this regard is heat-stable. A heat-stable substance is capable of maintaining its form, structure, and function even at high temperatures.
Examples of biological substances that are heat-labile are certain proteins and toxins. The enterotoxin produced by Escherichia coli is heat-labile. It becomes inactivated at high temperatures.1
See also:

Reference(s):

1 Wagner B, Hufnagl K, Radauer C et al. (April 2004). “Expression of the B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli in tobacco mosaic virus-infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants and its characterization as mucosal immunogen and adjuvant”. Journal of Immunological Methods 287 (1-2): 203–15.


You will also like...

squirrel
Animal Water Regulation

Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

Plant Water Regulation
Plant Water Regulation

Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

Water Cycle
The Water Cycle

The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

Adaptation Tutorial
Adaptation Tutorial

Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

Plant biology
Plant Biology

Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Early Earth
The Origins of Life

This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics