Definition

Noun: A chemical reaction or biochemical process in which an acetyl functional group (CH₃CO-) is introduced into an organic molecule or compound.

Usage

Acetylation is a specific term used primarily in chemistry and biochemistry. It describes the fundamental process of transferring an acetyl group to another substance. * Histone acetylation is a key mechanism for regulating gene expression. * The acetylation of certain drugs can alter their activity in the body.

Examples

• The research paper focused on the acetylation of proteins and its role in cellular signaling.
• Acetylation of salicylic acid produces aspirin, a common pain reliever.
• Enzymes known as acetyltransferases catalyze the acetylation reaction.

Advanced Usage

• Post-translational modification: In biochemistry, often refers to a critical type of post-translational modification of proteins, such as histones, which affects their function.
• Metabolic process: is a common metabolic process for modifying various compounds, including drugs and toxins, often influencing their solubility and elimination.

Variants and Related Words

• Acetylate (verb): To introduce an acetyl group into a compound.
  • The enzyme acetylates the core histone.
• Acetylated (adjective): Describing a compound that has undergone acetylation.
  • Acetylated histones are associated with active genes.
• Deacetylation (noun): The reverse process of removing an acetyl group.

Synonyms

• Acetyl group transfer

Antonyms

• Deacetylation

Noun

1. the process of introducing an acetyl group into a compound
   • the acetylation of cyclooxygenase-2 by aspirin