Home/Topics/General Medical Terms/intercalator General Medical Terms Genetics & Molecular Medicine intercalator Listen Save Share Print Meaning of intercalator: In biochemistry, a type of molecule that binds to DNA and inserts itself into the DNA structure. Definition of intercalator In biochemistry, a type of molecule that binds to DNA and inserts itself into the DNA structure. Some intercalators are used as treatments for cancer. Written and maintained by James Murray · Last updated July 21, 2026 Educational reference, not medical advice. Read the limitations. Keep exploringRelated termsMore in General Medical Terms → Genetics & Molecular Biology deoxyribonucleic acid The full chemical name of DNA, and it is descriptive: a sugar missing an oxygen, a nucleus, and an acid. Read definition → Genetics & Molecular Biology DNA Two meters of it are packed into a cell too small to see, arranged so any short stretch can still be found and read. Read definition → Genetics & Molecular Biology hereditary Present from the first cell onward, even when nothing shows for decades, and never the same claim as present at birth. Read definition → Biological & Chemical Substances adenosine triphosphate Cells hold only a tiny standing amount and recycle it endlessly, so adenosine triphosphate works as a currency rather than as a store of energy. Read definition →
Genetics & Molecular Biology deoxyribonucleic acid The full chemical name of DNA, and it is descriptive: a sugar missing an oxygen, a nucleus, and an acid. Read definition →
Genetics & Molecular Biology DNA Two meters of it are packed into a cell too small to see, arranged so any short stretch can still be found and read. Read definition →
Genetics & Molecular Biology hereditary Present from the first cell onward, even when nothing shows for decades, and never the same claim as present at birth. Read definition →
Biological & Chemical Substances adenosine triphosphate Cells hold only a tiny standing amount and recycle it endlessly, so adenosine triphosphate works as a currency rather than as a store of energy. Read definition →