DEMETHYLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Demethylation is a biochemical process by which the addition of a methyl group (-CH3) is removed from a molecule. It is a fundamental mechanism that occurs in various biological systems, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. This enzymatic reaction plays a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression, epigenetic modifications, and metabolism.
In the context of gene expression, demethylation refers to the removal of methyl groups from the DNA molecule. DNA methylation refers to the addition of a methyl group to the DNA sequence, primarily occurring at cytosine residues within CpG dinucleotides. Demethylation, therefore, involves the reversal of this modification, leading to the activation or repression of specific genes. This process is essential for the normal development and functioning of organisms, as it allows for the dynamic regulation of gene expression patterns.
Besides DNA demethylation, demethylation can also occur in other molecules, such as proteins and small molecules. For instance, in protein demethylation, methyl groups attached to amino acids like lysine and arginine are enzymatically removed. This modification is implicated in various biological processes, including signal transduction, chromatin remodeling, and protein-protein interactions.
Overall, demethylation is a vital biological process that influences various aspects of cellular functioning, genetic regulation, and metabolism. Understanding the mechanisms underlying demethylation can provide valuable insights into the complexity of biological systems and may have clinical implications for diseases associated with abnormal methylation patterns, such as cancer and genetic disorders.
Common Misspellings for DEMETHYLATION
- semethylation
- xemethylation
- cemethylation
- femethylation
- remethylation
- eemethylation
- dwmethylation
- dsmethylation
- ddmethylation
- drmethylation
- d4methylation
- d3methylation
- denethylation
- dekethylation
- dejethylation
- demwthylation
- demsthylation
- demdthylation
- demrthylation
- dem4thylation
Etymology of DEMETHYLATION
The word "demethylation" is derived from the combination of two parts: "de-" and "methylation".
The prefix "de-" is typically used in English to indicate reversal or removal. In this case, it denotes the removal or reversal of methylation.
The word "methylation" is derived from the noun "methyl", which refers to a chemical group composed of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (CH3). It is commonly found in various organic compounds. The suffix "-ation" in "methylation" indicates the process or act of adding or attaching a methyl group to another molecule.
In summary, "demethylation" refers to the process of removing or reversing the addition of a methyl group from a molecule.
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