DNA methylation

Scientific  

/ mĕth′ə-lā′shən /

1. The modification of a strand of DNA after it is replicated, in which a methyl (CH ₃) group is added to any cytosine molecule that stands directly before a guanine molecule in the same chain. Since methylation of cytosines in particular regions of a gene can cause that gene's suppression, DNA methylation is one of the methods used to regulate the expression of genes.

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DNA methylation Cultural  

1. The chemical reactions that place a methyl group (a combination of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) at a particular spot on DNA during organismal development. The effect of this process is probably to “turn off” various genes during the process of cellular differentiation, causing the cell to develop into a specific type.

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It is thought that during cloning, the methyl groups are removed from the DNA, turning the genes back “on” again.

There is evidence that embryonic stem cells are cells in which this process has not yet occurred.

Example Sentences

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DNA methylation

Babies delivered by Caesarean section showed distinct DNA methylation patterns in several genes involved in immune function and brain development.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 2, 2026

Researchers analyzed large portions of the mouse genome, monitoring both genetic sequences and 12 previously recognized patterns of inherited DNA methylation.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 1, 2026

This measure is based on DNA methylation, a collection of tiny chemical tags on DNA that shift as we grow older.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 12, 2025

Johnson routinely measures everything from his blood sugar levels to his DNA methylation: a natural genetic change that can be used to estimate the pace of aging.

From Slate ● May 28, 2025

Evaluating the merits of these awards would require a deep understanding of dozens of scientific fields, from gravitational waves to DNA methylation.

From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2025