Denaturation

Denaturation describes a structural change in biomolecule?s, such as nucleic acids and proteins?s, usually caused by heat, acid or certain chemicals.

Proteins denaturate when they lose their three-dimensional structure and their folding? with it. Enzymes lose their [catalytic activity]?, because the substrates cannot bind to the [active center]? anymore. Some, but not all, proteins can regain their correct structure when the denaturating influence vanishes.

The denaturation of nucleic acids such as DNA, also called melting?, is the separation of a double strand into two single strands, which occurs when the hydrogen bonds between the strands break down. Nucleic acid strands will realign when "normal" conditions are restored.