Dictionary > Renaturation

Renaturation

Definition
noun, plural: renaturations
(molecular biology) The conversion of denatured protein or nucleic acid to its native configuration
Supplement
Renaturation in molecular biology refers to the reconstruction of a protein or nucleic acid (such as DNA) to their original form especially after denaturation. This process is therefore the inverse of denaturation. In denaturation, the proteins or nucleic acids lose their native biomolecular structure. For instance, a DNA molecule is denatured through heating. The heat-denatured DNA separates into two strands. As for proteins, denaturation is carried out by the application of an external stress or compound such as a strong acid or base, a concentrated inorganic salt, an organic solvent, radiation, or heat.1. Reconstructing the denatured nucleic acid or protein into its original form is done by the process of renaturation. For instance, a heat-denatured DNA can revert to its original form by cooling slowly the two strands and then reform into its original double-stranded helix. A denatured protein may be restored following denaturation although it is not as common as it can be done on denatured nucleic acids. One way through which a denatured protein is restored to its original form is by removing the SDS and denaturing agents following denaturation during PAGE or IEF protein identification.2
See also:

Reference(s):

1 Denaturation (biochemistry). (n.d.) Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. (2009). Retrieved March 23 2015 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Denaturation+(biochemistry).

2 Rosenberg, I. (2005). Protein analysis and purification benchtop techniques. Boston: Birkhäuser.


You will also like...

Population Regulation in an Ecosystem
Population Regulation in an Ecosystem

With regard to the population size of a species and what factors may affect them, two factors have been defined. They ar..

Population Growth and Survivorship
Population Growth and Survivorship

This lesson looks at population attributes, regulation, and growth. It also covers population genetics, particularly gen..

vitamins
A Balanced Vitamin Diet – Vitamins A – K

A balanced diet is essential to a healthy organism. Insufficiency or too much of a particular element or compound, such ..

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..

New Zealand - Biodiversity fauna
New Zealand’s Biodiversity

Find out more about New Zealand's unique biodiversity by exploring a range of different ecosystems and the key role of s..

Cells in different stages of meiosis
Meiosis – The Genetics of Reproduction

Meiosis is a form of cell division that creates gametes. It is comprised of two divisions that in the end, the resulting..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics