denature

• 指使蛋白质或核酸等物质失去其天然结构或性质的动词，通常由热、酸、碱或化学处理引起。也可泛指改变事物的自然特性。

A verb used to describe the process of altering the natural structure or properties of a substance, especially a protein or nucleic acid, typically through heat, acidity, or chemical treatment.

1. Modify fissionable materialC2formalscientific

   To add nonfissionable material to fissionable material, making it unsuitable for use in an atomic bomb.

   嬗变

   • The uranium was denatured to prevent its use in weapons.
   • They denatured the plutonium by mixing it with other elements.
   • Denaturing fissile materials is a key step in non-proliferation efforts.

   反义词enrich

2. Alter protein structureC1formalscientific

   To modify a native protein, typically by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation, so that its original properties are lost or reduced.

   使变性

   • Heating the egg white denatures the albumin protein.
   • The enzyme was denatured by the strong acid.
   • UV radiation can denature DNA in living cells.

   同义词unfold

3. Make alcohol undrinkableB2formaltechnical

   To add substances to alcohol to make it unfit for drinking while retaining its usefulness for other purposes, such as cleaning or fuel.

   使酒精变性

   • Industrial ethanol is denatured to avoid alcohol taxes.
   • They denatured the methanol with a bitter additive.
   • Denatured alcohol is commonly used as a solvent.