Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Nucleic Acid Denaturation

Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical treatment. Double strand DNA is melted by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced and largely reversible.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical treatment. Double strand DNA is melted by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced and largely reversible.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

8 entry terms
  • Acid Denaturation, Nucleic
  • Denaturation, Nucleic Acid
  • Nucleic Acid Denaturations
  • DNA Denaturation
  • DNA Melting
  • RNA Denaturation
  • Denaturation, DNA
  • Denaturation, RNA

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

4 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings drug effects, genetics, pharmacology, radiation effects.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

IM general only; coord NIM with DNA or RNA or specific (IM)

MeSH Record

History Note

70(67)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E05.393.640
  2. G02.111.603
  3. G05.627

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Nucleic Acid Denaturation. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D009691. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D009691
  2. Nucleic Acid Denaturation. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70696036