1. the chemical process of introducing an acetyl group into a molecule or compound
Usage: technical; chemistry
2. the modification of proteins by the addition of acetyl groups, especially in gene regulation and cell function
Usage: biochemistry; molecular biology

Examples

• Acetylation of histone proteins plays a crucial role in controlling gene expression.
• The acetylation process is essential for understanding how cells regulate their DNA.
• Researchers studied the acetylation of aspirin to understand its mechanism of action.
• Acetylation reactions are commonly used in organic synthesis to protect functional groups.
• The enzyme catalyzes the acetylation of the target protein in the cell.
• Abnormal acetylation patterns have been linked to certain diseases and cancers.