Acetylation

Definition

Acetylation is the process by which an acetyl group is transferred to a molecule, often affecting gene expression and protein function. In microbial genetics, it commonly involves the modification of histones, impacting DNA accessibility and transcription regulation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acetylation of histones typically results in chromatin relaxation and increased gene expression.
2. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are enzymes that catalyze the addition of acetyl groups to histones.
3. Deacetylation, the removal of acetyl groups, is carried out by histone deacetylases (HDACs) and generally leads to chromatin condensation and gene repression.
4. Acetylation can influence the binding affinity of regulatory proteins to DNA.
5. In bacteria, acetylation can also modify non-histone proteins affecting various cellular processes including metabolism.

Review Questions

• What effect does histone acetylation generally have on gene expression?
• Which enzymes are responsible for adding acetyl groups to histones?
• How does deacetylation affect chromatin structure and gene expression?

Related terms

Histone Acetyltransferase (HAT): Enzymes that add acetyl groups to histones, promoting gene expression.

Histone Deacetylase (HDAC): Enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histones, leading to transcriptional repression.

Chromatin: A complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells that condenses during cell division.