American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

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What is the effect of a chemical intercalating agent on DNA?

It stabilizes the DNA structure
It disrupts the DNA helix
It enhances DNA replication
It increases transcription levels

The correct answer is: It disrupts the DNA helix

A chemical intercalating agent affects DNA by fitting between the base pairs of the DNA helix, which leads to a disruption of the DNA structure. This intercalation can cause distortions in the DNA double helix, interfering with the normal base pairing and potentially leading to problems during DNA replication and transcription. The distortion can result in frameshift mutations or changes in the reading frame of the genetic code, which may ultimately affect protein production. The other options do not align with the primary effects of intercalating agents. While stabilization of the DNA structure would be counterproductive to the agent's function, enhancing DNA replication or increasing transcription levels does not occur because the disruption caused by intercalation can hinder these processes, rather than facilitate them.