METHYLASE Meaning and
Definition
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Methylase is a noun that refers to an enzyme involved in the process of DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a biochemical process that involves the addition of a methyl group (CH3) to the DNA molecule, specifically to its nucleotide bases. The methylation of DNA plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including gene expression, transcriptional regulation, genomic imprinting, and the maintenance of genome stability.
Methylases are responsible for catalyzing the addition of methyl groups to DNA, typically targeting specific nucleotide sequences or regions within the genome. These enzymes specifically recognize these target sites and bind to the DNA molecule, facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from a donor molecule to the DNA molecule. The addition of the methyl group causes changes in the structure and configuration of DNA, resulting in altered gene activity and regulation.
Methylases are widely distributed in nature and are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In prokaryotes, methylases are involved in the process of DNA restriction-modification, which is a defense mechanism against foreign DNA. In eukaryotes, methylases play key roles in the regulation of gene expression during development and differentiation, as well as in the suppression of transposable elements and maintenance of genomic integrity.
In summary, methylase is an enzyme that adds methyl groups to DNA molecules, which play essential roles in various biological processes, including gene regulation and genome stability.
Common Misspellings for METHYLASE
- METHYnASE
- METHYmASE
- METHYLiSE
- METHYLeSE
- METHYLcSE
- METHYLAcE
- METHYLAqE
- METHYLASu
- METHYLASm
- METHYLASa
- METHYLASg
- m ethylase
- me thylase
- met hylase
- meth ylase
- methy lase
- methyl ase
- methyla se
- methylas e
