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AAT Bioquest

What is DNA methylation?

Posted January 22, 2021


Answer

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that involves the addition of methyl groups to a DNA molecule. Of the four eukaryotic DNA bases, cytosine and adenine can be methylated.

A key characteristic of DNA methylation is that it does not change the sequence of the DNA molecule. Rather the addition of methyl groups can alter the activity of a DNA molecule, repress gene transcription and is associated with a variety of developmental processes (e.g. genomic imprinting, X-chromosome inactivation, aging and carcinogensis).

Additional resources

). DNA methylation: superior or subordinate in the epigenetic hierarchy?

PCR Detection of Viral DNA/RNA