DEMETHYLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Demethylate is a verb that refers to the process of removing a methyl group from a molecule. The term is typically used in the field of chemistry and biochemistry, where the addition or removal of methyl groups can have significant implications on the structure, function, and activity of molecules.
In chemical terms, a methyl group is a chemical entity that consists of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (-CH3). It is a common functional group found in various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, natural products, and biomolecules. Demethylation, therefore, involves the removal or cleavage of this methyl group from a molecule, resulting in a structural modification.
The demethylation process can occur through different biochemical mechanisms, such as enzymatic reactions catalyzed by specific enzymes called demethylases. These demethylases recognize and act on specific methylated substrates, breaking the bond between the carbon and the methyl group. This enzymatic demethylation can take place in various biological contexts, including gene regulation, protein function, and metabolic pathways.
In summary, "demethylate" refers to the action or process of removing a methyl group from a compound or molecule. It is a term used in the field of chemistry and biochemistry to describe the molecular modification involved in altering the structure, activity, or function of a substance.
Common Misspellings for DEMETHYLATE
- demmethylate
- semethylate
- xemethylate
- cemethylate
- femethylate
- remethylate
- eemethylate
- dwmethylate
- dsmethylate
- ddmethylate
- drmethylate
- d4methylate
- d3methylate
- denethylate
- dekethylate
- dejethylate
- demwthylate
- demsthylate
- demdthylate
- demrthylate
Etymology of DEMETHYLATE
The word "demethylate" is derived from the combination of two components: "de-" and "methylate".
1. "De-" is a prefix in English that is commonly used to indicate negation or reversal. It comes from the Latin prefix "de-", which means "down", "away", or "from".
2. "Methylate" is derived from the noun "methyl" combined with the verb-forming suffix "-ate". "Methyl" refers to a type of chemical group consisting of three hydrogen atoms attached to a carbon atom, denoted as -CH₃. It originates from the German word "methyl", which was coined by Justus von Liebig in 1840 to describe the radical CH₃.
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