Intercalating Agents, Such as Acridine Orange, are Mutagens Because They

Question

Intercalating agents, such as acridine orange, are mutagens because they
A)promote transitions.
B)remove amine groups.
C)attach to purines causing distortions.
D)add ethyl or methyl groups.
E)fit between stacked bases and disrupt replication.

Accepted Answer

Intercalating agents, like acridine orange, are mutagens because they insert themselves between the stacked bases of the DNA helix, disrupting the DNA's structure and interfering with DNA replication and repair processes. This can lead to mutations.