histone acetylation

Histone acetylation is a process where acetyl groups are added to histone proteins, which help package DNA in cells. When these proteins are acetylated, the DNA becomes less tightly wrapped, allowing genes to be more accessible for reading and activation. This modification often leads to increased gene expression, playing a crucial role in regulating various cellular functions. It is a key part of the epigenetic mechanisms that control how genes are turned on or off, impacting everything from development to response to environmental changes.