Differentiate between denaturation and renaturation of DNA.

DENATURATION OF DNA:

1. The process of formation of single stranded DNA from double stranded helical DNA.
2. It is effected by heating.
3. It involves breakage of hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
4. The increase in absorbance (A260) upon denaturation is called as hyperchromic effect.
5. The rate of increase in absorbance is directly proportional to the rate of denaturation.
6. Upon denaturation, viscosity decreases.

RENATURATION OF DNA:

1. The process of formation of double stranded DNA from single stranded complementary DNA strands.
2. It is effected by cooling.
3. It involves reannealing or formation of hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs.
4. There is decrease in absorbance (A260) upon renaturation .
5. The rate of renaturation is directly proportional to the concentration of complementary sequences.
6. Upon denaturation, viscosity increases.