BRAINCAKEHistone Methylation
Histone methylation is the addition of methyl groups (-CH3) to histone proteins, usually to lysine (and sometimes arginine) amino acids in the histone tails. The methyl groups are added by enzymes called histone methyltransferases and removed by histone demethylases.
How it differs from acetylation
Unlike acetylation, methylation does not remove the positive charge on lysine. Instead, the methyl groups act as signals that are recognised by other proteins. These proteins either help to pack the chromatin tightly or help to open it up.
The effect depends on where the methyl group is
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
More in Gene Expression
- DNA Methylation
- DNA Demethylation
- Euchromatin and Heterochromatin
- Histone Acetylation
- non-Coding RNA
- siRNA
- Cell Differentiation
- Early Stages of Development
All 39 lessons in Gene Expression · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics