Denature
Denature , transitive verb
[De- + nature.]
To deprive of its natural qualities; change the nature of.
2.
to render (ethyl alcohol) unfit to drink by adding in toxic or unpalatable substances (such as benzene or pyridine) which nevertheless permit alcohol to be used as a solvent.
Bioactive macromolecules such as enzymes or DNA may be denatured by heat, acid, alkali, or solvent treatment; the extent of such treatment required to denature a molecule varies with the specific compound. In some cases the denatured molecules may regain their original properties (renature) by other treatments. Denaturation may also cause a change in the physical properties of such molecules, for example proteins may become insoluble in water.
3.
modify the tertiary structure of (a protein or nucleic acid) so as to reduce or destroy its characteristic biological activity.
Denature , intransitive verb
To become denatured.