Final answer:
SDS is a powerful denaturant that can break down the structure of proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
SDS, or Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, is a powerful denaturant that can break down the structure of proteins. Denaturation refers to any change in the three-dimensional structure of a protein that renders it incapable of performing its assigned function. This can be caused by various reagents and conditions such as heat, organic compounds, pH changes, and heavy metal ions.