A theory of the helix-coil transition in solutions containing a denaturing agent is proposed. It is shown that, if the transition is induced by an increase in the concentration of the denaturant, the range of the conformational transition narrows with a growing activity of the agent. In contrast, if the transition is induced by temperature variation, addition of a denaturant makes the transition broader, the more so for a higher activity of the agent. The results of the computation agree with published experimental data.
$^1$Department of Polymer and Crystal Physics, Faculty of Physics, Moscow State University, Leninskie gory, Moscow, 119992, Russia
$^2$Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, Moscow, 117813, Russia
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