Interkalaatio

Interkalaatio is a term used in various scientific fields to describe the insertion of something between existing elements or structures. In genetics, interkalaatio refers to the insertion of a base pair or a segment of DNA into the existing DNA sequence. This can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or be induced by certain chemical agents called interkalating agents. Such insertions can lead to frameshift mutations, altering the reading frame of genes and often resulting in non-functional proteins.

In chemistry and materials science, interkalaatio describes the process where guest atoms, ions, or molecules are incorporated into the interlayer spacing of layered materials, such as graphite or clays. This process can significantly alter the physical and chemical properties of the host material. For example, the interkalaatio of lithium ions into graphite is a fundamental process in the operation of lithium-ion batteries. The term can also be used more generally to describe the insertion of any entity into a pre-existing structure or sequence.