noun
- the removal of a methyl group (CH₃) from a molecule, especially in biochemistry and molecular biology
Usage: technical; biochemistry
Examples
- DNA demethylation is a key process in gene regulation and development.
- The enzyme catalyzes the demethylation of histone proteins.
- Demethylation of cytosine residues can activate previously silenced genes.
- Researchers studied demethylation patterns in cancer cells.
- The drug works by promoting demethylation of specific DNA regions.