<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>A polycyclic aromatic dye with antineoplastic, antimicrobial and imaging activities. Acridine and its derivatives intercalate within DNA and RNA by forming hydrogen-bonds and stacking between base pairs resulting in DNA crosslinks and strand breaks. In addition, acridine and its derivatives are a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase II enzyme. This results in the inhibition of DNA and RNA synthesis, predominantly occurring during S phase of the cell cycle and ultimately leads to cell death.</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>