Deoxyribonucleic Acid (Intercalation) (DNA (Intercalation))

DNA intercalation refers to the process by which certain molecules, typically small, planar, aromatic compounds known as intercalators, insert themselves between adjacent base pairs of the DNA double helix. This non-covalent binding mode alters the structure and function of DNA and is a key mechanism for several classes of drugs and molecular probes.

Other names

DNA IntercalationIntercalated DNA

Intercalation disrupts normal biological processes involving DNA. Inhibits replication and transcription by physically blocking polymerases or altering local helical structure. Can modulate gene expression through effects on transcription factor binding or chromatin architecture. Some intercalators act indirectly by affecting enzymes such as topoisomerases involved in maintaining DNA topology