Acetylation

Acetylation is a chemical process where an acetyl group (a small chemical unit containing carbon and oxygen) is added to a molecule, such as a protein or a drug. This modification can change the molecule's properties and functions. In biology, acetylation often affects gene expression and protein activity, influencing processes like metabolism and cell signaling. In medicine, it can improve drug effectiveness or reduce side effects. Understanding acetylation is important because it helps scientists develop better treatments and understand cellular functions more deeply.