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Molecular Denaturation

Meaning

Molecular Denaturation is the process by which a protein or nucleic acid loses its characteristic three-dimensional structure, such as the folding of a peptide or the uncoiling of DNA, without breaking its primary chemical bonds. This structural alteration renders the molecule biologically inactive, preventing it from performing its intended physiological function, such as binding to a hormone receptor or acting as an enzyme. In the context of hormonal health, denaturation is a critical concern for the stability and efficacy of peptide hormones and growth factors, which must maintain their precise tertiary structure to signal correctly.