Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
This refers to the addition of a methyl group to histone proteins. Depending on where it occurs, methylation can either increase or decrease gene expression.
Related terms
DNA Methylation: A biochemical process characterized by the addition of a methyl group onto the DNA molecule, often leading to reduced gene activity.
Gene Silencing: The regulation of gene expression in a cell resulting in preventing the production of specific genes' products.
Epigenetic Markers: Chemical modifications at specific sites on DNA or histone proteins that alter activity levels for certain genes.