What biological effect occurs when tissue is heated just above 60 degrees Celsius?

When tissue is heated just above 60 degrees Celsius, proteins begin to denature. Denaturation is a structural change in proteins that occurs due to the disruption of the bonds that maintain their shape. This process can lead to changes in the functionality of the proteins, which is critical in various biological contexts, especially in the treatment of certain conditions with laser therapy.

At this elevated temperature, the proteins lose their native conformation and unfold, which can impair cellular processes, leading to the therapeutic effects seen in treatments like surgical procedures or targeted therapies. This understanding is crucial for those working with laser therapy, as it highlights how controlled heat application can influence tissue structure and function.

In contrast, tissue cooling does not occur at this temperature; rather, it is a state of heating. Inflammation reduction and vasoconstriction are also unrelated to the specific effects of heating tissue to this extent, as these processes involve responses to different stimuli or conditions rather than the direct result of protein denaturation caused by high temperatures.