In biochemistry, the native state of a protein or nucleic acid is its properly folded and/or assembled form, which is operative and functional. The native state of a biomolecule may possess all four levels of biomolecular structure, with the secondary through quaternary structure being formed from weak interactions along the covalently-bonded backbone. This is in contrast to the denatured state, in which these weak interactions are disrupted, leading to the loss of these forms of structure and retaining only the biomolecule's primary structure.
An alternate usage in metallurgy refers to metals which are found chemically uncombined in nature.
Read more about Native State: Metallurgy
Famous quotes containing the words native and/or state:
“We deny your internationalism, because it is a luxury which only the upper classes can afford; the working people are hopelessly bound to their native shores.”
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—For the State of New Jersey, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)