National Cancer Institute (source definition)
SSCP Analysis
A procedure used to demonstrate nucleotide sequence variations that occur in the same region of DNA between individuals within a species, or between alleles in an individual to detect mutations in various genes, such as oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, or genes responsible for genetic diseases. The method detects different conformations adopted by partially denatured DNA fragments resulting from their specific nucleotide sequences under denaturing conditions. Denatured single-stranded DNA fragments are allowed to partially renature without formation of double-stranded DNA. The particular conformations adopted by each of the renatured fragments depend on each of their specific nucleotide sequences. The fragments are run on polyacrylamide gels to detect subtle changes in migration due to their particular secondary structures. Resulting fragment band in the gel will misalign if any point mutations are present to alter the conformation.
Review and references
Automated source check (NCI definition)
2026-10-20
2026-10-20
professional use
What it is
A procedure used to demonstrate nucleotide sequence variations that occur in the same region of DNA between individuals within a species, or between alleles in an individual to detect mutations in various genes, such as oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, or genes responsible for genetic diseases. The method detects different conformations adopted by partially denatured DNA fragments resulting from their specific nucleotide sequences under denaturing conditions. Denatured single-stranded DNA fragments are allowed to partially renature without formation of double-stranded DNA. The particular conformations adopted by each of the renatured fragments depend on each of their specific nucleotide sequences. The fragments are run on polyacrylamide gels to detect subtle changes in migration due to their particular secondary structures. Resulting fragment band in the gel will misalign if any point mutations are present to alter the conformation.
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C19229. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Compliance note
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.