demethylated
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /dɪˈmɛθəˌleɪtɪd/
KK: /dɛmɛθəˌleɪtɪd/
adjective
Definition
Referring to a substance that has undergone the process of removing a methyl group from its chemical structure.
Example
The researchers studied the effects of demethylated compounds on gene expression.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new study on genes?
No, what did they find?
They discovered that certain traits are linked to demethylated DNA.
That sounds interesting! I wonder how it affects our health.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unmethylated
dealkylated
demethylated
Antonyms
methylated
alkylated
modified
verb
Definition
To remove a methyl group from a molecule, often in the context of chemical reactions or biological processes.
Example
The compound was demethylated to enhance its reactivity in the experiment.
Tense Forms
Past: demethylated
Past Participle: demethylated
Conversation
Did you hear about that study on gene expression?
Yeah, I read that they found some genes were demethylated in certain conditions.
That's really interesting! I wonder how that affects overall health.
Root Explanation
Demethylated → It is formed from "de-" (meaning removal) and "methyl" (from Greek "mēthylē", meaning a chemical group derived from methane) and "-ated" (indicating a process or condition). The word "demethylated" refers to the process of removing a methyl group from a molecule.
Memory Tip
Think of 'removal' ('de-') of a 'methyl group' — that's why demethylated means a molecule that has had a methyl group taken away.
Visually Confused Words
methylate
unmethylated
ethylate