FAQspeak
Why does denatured DNA absorb more ultraviolet light than double-stranded DNA?
The fact that UV absorbance increases as DNA is denatured is known as the hyperchromic shift. The purine and pyrimidine bases in DNA strongly absorb ultraviolet light. Double-stranded DNA absorbs less strongly than denatured DNA due to the stacking interactions between the bases. Single deoxynucleotides absorb more strongly than denatured DNA.
Reference: Basic Biochemical Methods (1993) Alexander, R.R. and Griffiths, J.M. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York.
Products may be covered by pending or issued patents or may have certain limitations on use. Please visit our patent and trademark web page for more information.