Methylate (pronounced /ˈmɛθ.ə.leɪt/) is a verb that refers to the process of adding a methyl group to a molecule. The word is spelled with an "M-E-T-H-Y-L-A-T-E" and is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. The initial "M" sound is followed by a short "E" sound, "TH," and then a long "I" sound before ending with "LATE." The IPA phonetic transcription provides a clear guide to the correct pronunciation of this technical term.
Methylate is a verb that refers to the process of introducing or combining a methyl group (-CH3) to a chemical compound. The addition of a methyl group to a compound is known as methylation. The term "methyl" is derived from methane (CH4), which is the simplest organic compound consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
Methylation plays a crucial role in various biological processes and is involved in the modification of diverse molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. In genetics, methylation refers to the addition of a methyl group to DNA molecules, which can affect gene expression and regulate various cellular functions. Methylation patterns in DNA are heritable and can be influenced by environmental factors.
In chemistry, the process of methylating a compound is often carried out using a methylating agent, which can be a methyl halide, methyl sulfate, or dimethyl carbonate. Methylating agents act as the source of the methyl group during the reaction.
Methylation reactions have numerous applications in many scientific fields. For instance, methylation is frequently used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and solvents. It is also a common technique employed in the analysis of organic compounds, as it can aid in the identification and characterization of different molecules.
Overall, methylate is a verb that describes the addition of a methyl group to a compound in either biological or chemical processes, offering a wide range of applications and implications in various scientific disciplines.
1. To mix with methyl alcohol. 2. A compound of a base with methyl alcohol.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "methylate" has its roots in organic chemistry. It is derived from the word "methyl", which refers to a chemical group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (-CH3). The suffix "-ate" often indicates that the compound is an ester or a salt. Therefore, "methylate" signifies the process of introducing or replacing a hydrogen atom in a molecule with a methyl group, typically involving the addition of a methylating agent.