acetylation
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- the process of introducing an acetyl group into a compound
- the acetylation of cyclooxygenase-2 by aspirin