Nucleic acid temperature

DNA exists in both double-stranded and single-stranded forms. To a certain extent, RNA can exist in both forms, but it is more likely to be single-stranded with some double-stranded secondary stracture. The temperature of the column and the fluid entering the column can be thought of as an additional reagent in the separation of nucleic acids. Temperature controls whether the nucleic add is separated as a single molecule, double-stranded molecule or something in between. 

The probability of finding a nucleic acid unit in the certain conformation according to our results is never equal to the unit. It agrees with the idea that NAs are not static but fluctuating, breathing , objects [23]. For example, in RNA molecule with 10 base pairs at the room temperature about 510 base pairs do not take part in the stacking and are not connected with H -bonds [2]. 

There are therefore four adjustable parameters per atom in the refinement (xy, yy, Zj, By). In the computer experiments we have carried out to test the assumptions of the nucleic acid refinement model we have generated sets of observed structure factors F (Q), from the Z-DNA molecular dynamics trajectories. The thermal averaging implicit in Equation III.3 is accomplished by averaging the atomic structure factors obtained from coordinate sets sampled along the molecular dynamics trajectories at each temperature ... 

All of the hybridization procedures discussed in this section depend on the specific base-pairing properties of complementary nucleic acid strands described above. Perfect matches hybridize readily and withstand high temperatures in the hybridization and washing reac-... 

Heat is the most reliable method of virus disinfection. Most human pathogenic viruses are inactivated following exposure at 60°C for 30 minutes. The virus of serum hepatitis can, however, survive this temperature for up to 4 hours. Viruses are stable at low temperatures and are routinely stored at -40 to -70°C. Some viruses are rapidly inactivated by drying, others survive well in a desiccated state. Ultraviolet light inactivates viruses by damaging their nucleic acid and has been used to prepare viral vaccines. These facts must be taken into account in the storage and preparation of viral vaccines (Chapter 15). 

Nucleic acids undergo heUx-to-coil transition with increasing temperature. The transition temperature Tm is defined as the temperature corresponding to which the hyperchromicity, H (absorbance at any temperature/absorbance at room temperature) is given by ... 

Classical approaches to plant DNA isolation aim to produce large quantities of highly purified DNA. However, smaller quantities of crudely extracted plant DNA are often acceptable for PCR analysis. Another efficient method for preparation of plant DNA for PCR is a single-step protocol that involves heating a small amount of plant tissue in a simple solution. Several factors influence nucleic acid release from tissue salt, EDTA, pH, incubation time and temperature. These factors must be optimized for different sample substrates. EDTA in the sample solution binds the Mg + cofactor required by the Taq polymerase in the PCR, so the EDTA concentration in the solution, or the Mg + concentration in the PCR, must be carefully optimized. 

Collecting samples of ancient nucleic acids is a delicate operation that requires what are basically surgical procedures. It is advantageous, whenever possible, that the samples be collected at excavation sites and precautions taken to ensure that they do not become contaminated with other, particularly more recent, nucleic acids. At high temperatures and humidity, nucleic acids decay quickly. Well-preserved ancient nucleic acids can, therefore, be expected in sites where low temperatures and a dry environment prevail, as, for example, in cold, desert areas of the world. Once collected, the samples need to be isolated from any other remaining materials until they can be amplified by PCR and their chemical composition and structure can then be studied. 

Hybridization the process of a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule binding with a complementary single strand of nucleic acid to form a stable double-stranded molecule. Hybridization is temperature dependent, so DNA s that hybridize strongly at low temperature can be temporarily separated (denatured) by heating. 

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