verb
- to introduce an acetyl group into (a molecule or compound), typically in a chemical reaction
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry
Examples
- The enzyme acetylates histone proteins to regulate gene expression.
- Aspirin works by acetylating cyclooxygenase enzymes in the body.
- Researchers acetylated the compound to improve its solubility.
- The process acetylates specific amino acids within the protein structure.
- Acetylating the sample changed its chemical properties significantly.