Both DNA and RNA domains and microdomains—to a certain degree comparable to self‐organizational mesophase areas—have been visualized as graphite surface adlayers by scanning force microscopy in contact force mode. More polar substrate surfaces, sharper tip geometries and tapping mode procedures proved less favourable, due to sample distortions and prevention of organization within the adlayer by dominant adhesive forces in the interface.© 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.