A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Oncology, immunology and hematology mechanisms
Alkylators crosslink DNA strands
Sign in to bookmark this concept and add private notes →
DNA gets handcuffed, so the cell cannot unzip.
The idea behind the cue
Alkylating agents add alkyl groups to DNA, often creating intra- or interstrand crosslinks. That blocks replication and transcription, especially in rapidly dividing cancer cells. Their toxicity comes from the same DNA damage they use to kill tumors.
Practice this flashcard →Make it memorable
Short & simple
DNA gets handcuffed, so the cell cannot unzip.
Acronym
ACR — Awkward Cupcakes Rap.
Story
A prankster ties two DNA ladders together with zip ties. The repair crew cannot separate the strands, the copy machine jams, and the cell gives up during division.
Connect the pieces
- A (Awkward) → Alkylators: Alkylating agents add alkyl groups to DNA, often creating intra- or interstrand crosslinks.
- C (Cupcakes) → Crosslinks: Those DNA crosslinks distort the helix and block replication and transcription.
- R (Rap) → Replication: Replication and transcription stall, which especially harms rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- Awkward · Alkylators: Alkylating agents add alkyl groups to DNA, often creating intra- or interstrand crosslinks.
- Cupcakes · Crosslinks: Those DNA crosslinks distort the helix and block replication and transcription.
- Rap · Replication: Replication and transcription stall, which especially harms rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Know the limits
Does not apply to non-DNA-damaging targeted therapies like kinase inhibitors.
Further reading · OpenStax Pharmacology for Nurses · foundational mechanisms ↗Check your understanding
What is the primary antineoplastic mechanism of alkylating agents?
A. They crosslink DNA and prevent replication
B. They stabilize microtubules during mitosis
C. They inhibit folate-dependent nucleotide synthesis
D. They block estrogen receptors
Reveal explanation
They crosslink DNA and prevent replication
Alkylating agents damage DNA by forming covalent crosslinks, which prevents strand separation and replication.