We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Biology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Methylation?

By Victoria Blackburn
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 9,876
Share

Methylation is a type of chemical reaction during which methyl groups are added to other molecules. A methyl group has the formula CH3, representing its structure as a carbon atom that has three hydrogen atoms single bonded to it. Referred to as functional groups, methyl groups are just one example of an alkyl group, which all have single-bonded carbon and hydrogen atoms. The number of carbon atoms in the backbone of the alkyl group determines which one it is. Functional groups are the parts of molecules that cause the characteristic chemical reactions associated with the molecule.

As methyl is an alkyl, methylation is a form of alkylation. During an alkylation reaction, the specific alkyl group is attached to the molecule by replacing a hydrogen atom. In methylation, the methyl group is the functional group that replaces the hydrogen. There are hundreds of different methylation reactions that occur in biological systems.

In biological systems, methytransferase enzymes are needed to catalyze this chemical reaction. Many different types of molecules undergo methylation with the assistance of enzymes, including DNA, RNA and proteins. The pattern is established during embryonic development and continues throughout life as methyl groups are continuously lost and added to the relevant molecules. This is a natural process that is involved in regulation of gene expression, protein functioning and the metabolism of RNA. If this process did not take place, detrimental health effects could occur.

A number of genetic defects has been linked to abnormalities in this process. If there is a mutation in the methyltransferase enzymes, ICF syndrome can result. This syndrome is extremely rare and symptoms include low set ears, an enlarged tongue, and an increased distance between the eyes. This is an immune disorder that results in low levels of antibodies, so many patients die from infectious disease before they reach adulthood.

Some forms of cancer have been associated with high or low levels of methylation of certain genes. Whether a gene has been methylated is used as a marker for some forms of cancer — one example is prostate cancer. If there is an abnormality in the methylation of a gene that controls cell division, this can lead to uncontrolled cell division, or tumor growth. Furthermore, if there is a mutation in the gene that codes for DNA methyltransferase, this can lead to a proliferation of the enzyme, which can in turn lead to an increase in methylation of a particular gene.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-methylation.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.