methylation

noun

meth·yl·a·tion ˌme-thə-ˈlā-shən

: the introduction of a methyl radical into a substance

The methylation of metals (that is, the substitution of a metal atom for the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group of a methyl alcohol molecule) can result in the metal's becoming volatile.—

Corale L. Brierley

especially : dna methylation

As cells begin to specialize into adult tissues, methylation seems to inactivate genes that are no longer needed. —

John Travis

Examples of methylation in a Sentence

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Vegan Diet Reduces Biological Age Markers Overall, the twins who went vegan saw a significant reduction in markers of biological age based on changes in DNA methylation. —

Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2024 Some changes that happen with DNA methylation may age the body faster, while others may slow aging down. —

Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 29 July 2024 In this case, the DNA methylation deactivates HNF4A, a gene that helps promote the proper function of many organs. —

Marta Musso, WIRED, 17 July 2024 This can be done through chemical processes methylation, which turns genes on, or demethylation, which turns genes off. —

Allison Deangelis, STAT, 4 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for methylation