Definition of Methylation

[Inuyasha]

DNA methlation is the attachment of a methly group on the end of the original strand of DNA that is being copied. This is helpful when there is an error in the coding of DNA. For example if a base pair of nucleotides is A-C it is obviously wrong. Methylation is the way that the DNA repair mechanisms can tell if it is the A or the C that needs to be changed.

[Cyranian]

Hmm, that's interesting. Now do you have a specific question about that, or was that a "Did you know?" kinda thing?

[Inuyasha]

I just posted it because no one else was posting. So i gave the definition ofmethly so more people could post in it.

[Ice Dragon]

Interesting

[Cyranian]

Ok...well...just in case anyone coming into this post is looking for something specific about DNA methylation, I've got this database thingy that would help y'all out:
http://www.methdb.de/

Another site that might help would be this one:
http://opbs.okstate.edu/~melcher/MG/MGW1/MG138.html

[Inuyasha]

nice cyrian. Those websites were very helpful. Thanks again.

[Cyranian]

You're welcome, Inu.

I read somewhere that methyl insufficiency and abnormal DNA methylation might play significant roles in the development of several pathologies including birth defects, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurological disorders. Why would that be the case?

[Inuyasha]

I have never heard that methyl insufficiency and abnormal DNA methylation might play significant roles in the development of several pathologies including birth defects, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurological disorder. Where have you heard that? I think that the new technology would all just use DNA to recreate tissues therefore bypassing the "curse" of abnormal DNA methlation.

[2810712]

What do U think about the changes in methylation patterns due to chemicals we encounter [ may be in food ] ? What type of foods may affect DNA methylation?

hrushikesh[color=cyan][/color]

[Inuyasha]

Methlation I'm pretty sure wouldn't change because of the food you eat. Changes because of radiation be it from the sun or from elements such as radon.

[Inuyasha]

I heard that DNA methlation is now used in the newwest forms of canser treatment. Helps correct DNA misforms.

[protozoan]

hmmm... do methyllation occur in the organisms? even?