Definition

This is a chemical process where a substance reacts with acetic acid or its derivatives, adding one or more acetyl groups to that substance.

Example

Acetylation is a crucial step in the modification of proteins.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about acetylation in chemistry?

Yeah, I think it has something to do with adding acetyl groups, right?

Exactly! It can change how a substance behaves chemically.

That sounds interesting; I should look into it more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Acetylation → It is formed from "acetyl" (from the Latin "acetum", meaning vinegar, combined with the suffix "-yl", which denotes a radical or group) and "-ation" (meaning the process of). The word refers to the process of introducing an acetyl group into a molecule.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of adding an 'acetyl group' to something, which is what acetylation means.

Visually Confused Words