MeSH definition : Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical
treatment. Double strand DNA is melted by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen
bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded
flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced
and largely reversible.;
Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical
treatment. Double strand DNA is melted by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen
bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded
flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced
and largely reversible.