Single strand conformation polymorphism

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Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) is defined as conformational difference of single stranded nucleotide sequences of identical length as induced by differences in the sequences under certain experimental conditions. This property allows to distinguish the sequences by means of gel electrophoresis, which separates the different conformations.

[edit] Physical background

double strands are almost identical for both alleles. Contrariwise, after denaturation, single strands undergo a 3-dimensional folding and may assume different conformational state according to DNA sequence. Depending on this folded structure that the molecules have assumed, they may travel faster or slower on a gel, even though the number of nucleotides is the same. This implies the limitation of SSCP, since conformational states are subject to many experimental conditions and sequence differences may or may not be detected.

[edit] Applications in molecular biology

well as heterozygous individuals which should each demonstrate distinct patterns in an electrophoresis experiment.