A DNA duplex is a double-stranded helix generally maintained by hydrogen bonding between the two strands of DNA. It is defined by the nucleotide pairings A-T and C-G. The term denaturation for DNA means the loss of bonding between nucleic acid pairs as a result of the addition of a solvent (s) or an increase in temperature. Each factor leads to the separation of double-stranded helical nucleic acids into single-stranded coils.