Methylation
Methylation is a biochemical process where a small molecule called a methyl group (one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) is added to DNA or proteins. This modification can influence how genes are expressed, turning them on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Methylation plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including development, aging, and disease. It's essential for normal cellular function, and abnormal methylation patterns are associated with conditions like cancer. Essentially, methylation acts like a biological switch that helps regulate many important functions in our bodies.
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Methylation is a biological process where a small chemical group called a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogens) is added to DNA molecules. This modification can influence how genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Essentially, methylation acts like a dimmer switch, turning genes on or off. It's important for various processes, such as development, aging, and response to the environment. Abnormal methylation patterns are linked to health issues, including cancer, as they can disrupt normal gene function. Thus, methylation plays a crucial role in regulating gene activity and maintaining cellular function.